{"id":71,"date":"2022-07-20T14:46:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-20T14:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenkey.newwebsitepreview.co.uk\/?p=71"},"modified":"2026-05-26T10:00:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T10:00:54","slug":"depression-physical-activity-and-performance-is-there-a-link","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greenkey.newwebsitepreview.co.uk\/?p=71","title":{"rendered":"Depression, physical activity and performance \u2013 is there a link?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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What would happen to a dog if you kept it inside, gave it water and fed it processed foods while providing a nice bed in front of the television or other electronic device, only letting it out for a few minutes several times a day to do the obvious?<\/span><\/p>\n

The answer I believe, is predictable \u2013 The dog would soon become miserable, overweight and perhaps even aggressive. In the western world, this is exactly what we do to ourselves \u2013 feed ourselves on instant, very often highly processed foods, sit in front of the TV or other device to entertain ourselves and only go outside on the occasion that requires we go from A to B or need to do some shopping (which we can now order in!), or another chore. Why do we wonder that chronic ill health is escalating, as is mental ill-health \u2013 anxiety, depression, low mood, and lack of energy amongst the list of symptoms and conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

How can we unravel this state of affairs?<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

The answer to that question is complex, and as we are all individual, the approach will be unique to each person. However, let\u2019s make a start by looking at something as simple as movement and exercise and the difference it can make to mood, anxiety and depression. As a naturopathic practitioner, I recommend to clients on a regular basis to get outside into mother nature and to bring some form of exercise into their routine that will get them moving. The type of activity advised carefully depending on the situation of the client, symptoms and overall wellbeing. It can be anything from walking, swimming, and dance, to yoga, stretching, Pilates and Tai Chi. Many of which can be practiced in the great outdoors.<\/span><\/p>\n

From my own experience, I know that physical activity makes a difference to how I feel, how the day unfolds, as well as the tone and flexibility of my body, even if when I\u2019m on my way to the gym and really don’t feel like going, that when I\u2019ve finished my session that I feel so much more energetic and positive. <\/span><\/p>\n

I was very proud the other day when challenged to touch my toes that I was able to touch the floor with relative ease when my teenage godson, 40 years my junior, could barely get passed his knees! <\/span>Not sure whether his performance has encouraged him to work on flexibility as well as building muscle strength or whether his mood was affected when he realised the current state of his body is well below optimal when in his teenage years. It showed that we can\u2019t take for granted that a younger body is naturally subtle; it takes movement and practice to achieve this. <\/span><\/p>\n

A recent research article published in Jama in 2022, \u201cAssociation Between Physical Activity and Risk of Depression. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.\u201d published using the research of numerous scientists, indicates that whilst it is difficult to draw this association, 15 prospective studies showed a greater risk of depression in those that have lower exposure to exercise. Adults doing the equivalent of 2.5 hours a week of brisk walking had a lower risk of depression compared with those adults who reported no physical activity. That means that on five days of the week, 30 minutes of exercise and brisk movement can dramatically impact mood and lower the risk of depression. <\/span><\/p>\n

The sample size for each study was 3000+ participants over a period of 3 years or more and was based on leisure-time physical activity, either alone or combined with other activity domains such as housework and getting to and from work. Approximately 64% of participants were women and included six studies in the USA, six from Europe, one from Australia and Japan and one study that included India, Ghana, Mexico and Russia. The conclusion of the meta-analysis found an association between physical activity and incident depression and assuming lack of exercise as the causality, 1 in 9 cases of depression might have been prevented if everyone was active in line with public health recommendations.<\/span> Public health recommendations suggest that 30 minutes of physical activity on all or most days of the week, even if undertaken in brief repeated episodes, is beneficial for health.<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2019 depression was the leading cause of mental ill health-related diseases and a major cause of disability worldwide, affecting approximately 280 million people and accounting for more than 47 million disability-adjusted life years in 2019. These figures are pre-Covid and, therefore, reasonable to assume that this figure has increased due to fear, isolation and loneliness as a result of lockdown. In fact, a World Health Organisation (WHO) study published in April 2022 states that \u201cglobal prevalence of mental health disorders increased by a massive 25% across the board\u201d. Young people and women being the worst hit.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

What is the cost to your organisation not only in loss of revenue but also in levels of service, morale and medical aid costs if the individual is provided company medical aid?<\/span><\/p>\n