Reduce Depression Risk by Outdoor Exercise and Increased Social Interaction.

 A study among 40,000 people has found that people who take regular outdoor exercise in their free time are less likely to have symptoms of depression and anxiety.The enjoyment that people get from doing exercise during their leisure time, is found to be the key.But the same effect is not derived from physical activity which is part and parcel of regular and routine workout.The big difference between these two forms of exercise is the level of social interaction 

This social interaction in their leisure time exercise is the key for not having the symptoms of depression and anxiety.Exercise and social interaction greatly helps ones mental health.
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For the purpose of this study the participants were asked how often, and to what degree, they undertook physical activity in their leisure time and during the course of the week.Their depression and anxiety was also measured. The study found that persons who were not active in their leisure time were almost twice as likely to have symptoms of depression compared to the most active individuals.The study also showed that people engaged in physical activity of any intensity, in their leisure time,are less likely to have symptoms of depression.
Lifestyle factors like diet and exercise have a positive impact on the person.Exercise gives a natural high and a good boost to mood.But Physical activity and associated social interaction benefits, measured as the number of new friends and social support,is yet another benefit for mental well-being.This additional mental well-being benefit is absent in physical activity undertaken as part of a working day.

So to increase your mental well-being go out with a running club.Join any team sport actively. Take part in a walk for a social cause.

Raghu Natrajan