08/14/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/167dWGrruC/
Depression is often described as a state of chronic shutdown, where the body and mind are stuck in a prolonged state of inactivity due to prolonged dorsal vagal activation, a part of our nervous system. One of the most effective ways to shift out of this shutdown mode is through light, active movement. Activities like dancing, walking, and general exercise can help activate the nervous system, pulling it out of the dormant state and improving overall well-being.
A study involving 218 different studies with 14,170 participants found that moderate reductions in depression symptoms were more effectively achieved through exercise than with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This comprehensive research indicated that physical activity has a greater impact on managing depression than previously thought, particularly for individuals who may not respond as effectively to medication or therapy alone.
Dancing emerged as the most effective form of exercise, showing the largest reductions in depression symptoms. Other forms of physical activity, such as walking, jogging, yoga, and aerobic exercise combined with therapy, also proved to be effective. The study’s findings varied across different demographics, with some groups responding better to exercise, while others showed more improvement with traditional treatment methods like SSRIs or CBT. This suggests that a combination of movement and therapy could offer the most well-rounded approach to fighting depression.
