Does running reduce depression?
Running and exercise can help reduce depression because exercise releases hormones in the body that help to elevate mood and increase energy. The greater total number of exercise sessions usually leads to a correlating decrease in depression. Greater lengths (months) of exercise also usually mean a greater reduction in depression. On the other hand, an excessive amount of exercise at one time can lead to elevated states of depression. Even though exercise can reduce depression, getting a depressed person to exercise can be difficult because that person may be fatigues, lack motivation, and have low self-esteem. Often their fitness levels are low.