Study: Teens should run a mile every day to prevent depression

**wvwvw** · 06-12-2018, 07:15 AM

Teenagers should be made to walk or run a mile every day to protect them against depression, study claims
Experts believe a lack of exercise could be behind soaring rates of mental illness among young people
By Nick McDermott, Health Editor
18th April 2018, 6:24 pmUpdated: 18th April 2018, 6:25 pm

TEENAGERS should be made to walk or run a mile every day to protect them against depression, a study claims.

Experts believe a lack of exercise could be behind soaring rates of mental illness among young people.

Teenagers should be made to walk or run a mile every day to protect them against depression, a study claims

And figures show that the amount of physical activity children get drops dramatically in secondary school.

Researchers said a “daily mile” scheme started in a Scottish primary school in 2012 could combat the stress epidemic if extended to older groups.

More than 2,000 schools in the UK now take part — and it has been credited with improving young children’s health. It can even be done in a lunch break.

Study author Professor Mark Beauchamp, of British Columbia University in Canada, said: “In the Daily Mile children run, jog or walk one mile every day in their school clothes.

”It needs no special equipment or unique staff training and emphasises enjoyment, inclusion and social participation.”

Professor Beauchamp said 15 to 19-year-olds are particularly vulnerable because of the social and academic pressure they face.

He said initiatives such as the Daily Mile are ideal for them.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/608626...-study-claims/

Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-...ght-depression

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-...e/art-20046495

**wvwvw** · 06-12-2018, 07:19 AM

Benefits of exercising for your mental health

Exercise has always been tagged as an effective way to help fight stress and depression. According to studies, exercise releases happy endorphins which are brain chemicals that leave a person happier. In addition, having a routine of physical activities can promote a healthier psychological and emotional state.

• Regulates your mood – Exercising helps you take your mind off your worries and releases toxins that help you stay in a calm mood.
• Improves brain function – It improves the growth of nerve cells in your hippocampus which helps relieve depression.
• Boosts your confidence – More than just physical looks, meeting your fitness goals will also boost your self-confidence and push you to do more.
• Gain new acquaintances – Many are discovering the benefits of exercising so your chances of meeting fitness buddies are high. It’s even more beneficial as having friends with the same goals can make you more motivated.
• Great coping mechanism – Instead of drowning yourself with negative thoughts and drinking your worries away, exercising will more effectively let you blow off some steam.
• Lets you sleep better – Regular exercise will help you get a good night’s sleep. It also gives you a better feeling when you wake up in the morning.
Simple exercises you can do at home to relieve depression

A gym membership is not really necessary if you want to start exercising to help you fight off depression. Try these simple workouts you can do even at home:

• Walking or jogging – Going on a walk or a jog is the simplest form of exercise you can do. You can easily squeeze it in on your daily routine. For example, walk to your school or office instead of commuting. (Related: 90% of U.S. teens aren’t getting enough exercise.)
• Try yoga or tai chi – These Eastern methods let you relax while soothing your muscles. Studies say people who are into yoga or tai chi are found to be less likely to succumb to a depressed state.
• Run – It is said that after finishing a run, you’ll feel euphoric. This is due to the endorphins released in the brain as a response to the physical activity.