Study Reveals Surprising Mental Effects of Working in Garden Beds

Moderate physical activity will help cope with depression

The summer season is beginning — and British scientists have found that weeding garden beds is similar to taking antidepressants and reduces the risk of depression by 23 percent. The effect of physical activity intensity on reducing anxiety emphasizes the need for strict exercise performance.

Photo: Gennady Cherkasov< /span>

Modern exercise such as gardening, golf and walking are associated with a lower risk of depression, according to a new study. An overall review of several analyzes found that the development of depression was reduced by 23 percent, anxiety by 26 percent, and psychosis or schizophrenia by 27 percent.

Experts said the results, published in the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioural Reviews, confirm that physical activity has benefits for mental health. But they added that in some cases, high-intensity exercise may «worsen stress-related responses.»

Professor of Public Health Lee Smith explained: “Effectively preventing mental health complications has become a major issue and area of ​​public health priority. These conditions can be complex and require a comprehensive treatment approach that may include pharmacological interventions, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.” He added that «the effect of physical activity intensity on depression highlights the need for clear exercise recommendations.»

For the study, the researchers looked at data from more than four million people who rated the link between physical activity and episodes of depression.< /p>

They also examined the link between exercise and anxiety in more than 65,000 people, and the link between psychosis and schizophrenia and physical activity in more than 30,000 people.

The researchers said their findings were similar in both men and women, across age groups and around the world.

The team also said there is a lack of evidence on the link between high-intensity physical activity and a reduced risk of depression.

Professor Smith said that «moderate exercise may improve mental health through biochemical reactions, while vigorous exercise may worsen the stress response in some people.»

Recognizing differences in People's responses to exercise are vital to effective mental health strategies, so any recommendations for physical activity must be tailored to individuals.