I recently read an article from Brad Stulberg in Outside Magazine that included interesting research about exercise and depression. As a former UCLA runner and lifelong fitness practitioner, I value daily exercise and preventative care to maintain optimum physical and mental health for all ages and lifestyles.
Two researchers cited in the article, Felipe Barrett Schuch and Brendon Stubbs, believe that exercise is just as important in the array of treatments for depression as talk therapy and medications. The research scope covered 49 studies and 267,000 people, and encompassed many different types of exercises.
Key Takeaways Based on the Research
- Exercise reduces the chance of depression and prevents it altogether
- With other treatments or preventatives for depression, exercise is just as important and should be included in a comprehensive plan
- While chronic inflammation and depression are associated, exercise reduces inflammation — therefore exercise will reduce depression
- Exercise can help the brain grow out of depressive patterns
- Positive psychological changes happen with exercise and can increase self-confidence
Here in Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area at large, a significant percentage of the workforce is working excessive hours while hunched over computers, and most likely not active enough given long hours. I get it, I’m a business owner. There’s pressure to create value for customers, achieve goals for team members and investors, and create high incomes for our families and retirement plans. According to Dr. Natalie Petouhoff in her 2017 HuffPost article, one could even say that work is “addictive” for many people. Long hours working with computer and mobile devices are often necessary to achieve goals and maintain job security – especially if you live in an expensive area like the San Francisco Bay Area.
On the flip side, high-pressure workplaces and career aspirations often cause business owners and employees to experience sleep deprivation, poor diets, isolation from family and friends, burnout and exhaustive stress. Look around you at your office. Many of your colleagues are working on their computers with a “C posture” for extended periods of time. This absolutely causes neck, back, shoulder, wrist, and hand injuries. 
Source: Dr. Natalie Petouhoff
The combination of intense work environments, unhealthy habits while using computers and mobile phones and lack of exercise can lead to depression, injuries, and long-term physical and mental health problems. Fortunately for you and your coworker, by being proactive and taking your physical and mental health serious with fitness and injury prevention strategies, exercise can reduce and prevent depression and other medical conditions influenced by high-pressure workplaces and lifestyles.
Three Tips to Thrive in 2020 and Help Avert Disaster
- Commit to a minimum of 30 minutes, 5 days per week of sustained physical activity like walking, running, biking, rowing, etc.
- Use computing and mobile devices with safe postures to help increase productivity and prevent injuries; manage your health with these same devices and specialized apps
- Learn more with a Helm PT assessment about how to create the fitness program that works for your schedule, workplace, and current physical condition
About Helm PT
Helm Physical Therapy & Injury Prevention empowers people to be and feel their best. We serve patients and doctors in the San Francisco Bay Area with a patient-centered approach, including creating individual programs for: rehabilitating or preventing injury; attaining specific wellness goals; and helping to prevent physical decline that comes from the aging process. Ann Helm, lead practitioner and founder of Helm Physical Therapy & Injury Prevention, is a physical therapist and certified personal trainer of more than 20 years with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Learn more at HelmPT.com.