Have you ever noticed how great you feel after a workout or even a brisk walk around the neighborhood with your dog? Well, it is no coincidence. Exercise is one of the best natural methods of fighting depression. According to recent research, physical activity provides as much benefit in knocking out mild to moderate depression as any other form of treatment, including medication. There is a great deal of evidence that supports this theory.

• Animal studies indicate that exercise alters neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine in the brain's frontal cortex and the hippocampus, which are both big players in emotions. Exercise induced changes similar to those produced by pharmaceutical antidepressant.
  
• Exercise stimulates the vagus nerve, which improves the brain's emotion-sensing network. More and more the vagus nerve is being recognized as an important aspect of depression.
• Exercise also improves the body's reaction to stress, which can be a precursor to depression.
  
• Exercise also changes the perception people have of themselves. We all tend to have a greater sense of personal mastery and increase self-image when we exercise.
  
• Exercise reduced the amount of negative thinking and replaces those thoughts with more upbeat thoughts.
  
• So long as we exercise, we continue to benefit from the positive cognitive side affects of exercising, therefore preventing recurrences of depression.

Before you chunk your antidepressants in the garbage and throw on your sneakers for a quick run, it is important to note that exercise may not actually be the end-all therapy for those who are severely depressed. Dr. Weill states, "The fact is that a variety of lifestyle, dietary and psychotherapeutic interventions have a much better record of success against depression than these drugs have ever had. Serious depression is a medical problem that in many cases demands serious pharmaceutical treatment, but patients with mild or moderate depression would be much better served trying a prudent mix of exercise, diet and cognitive therapy."

So, whether you are severely depressed or moderately depressed, exercise will help you feel better. Talk with your doctor about the best therapy treatment for your individual condition, but go ahead and hit the pavement for a quick jog for an easy, and healthy pick-me-up.