I used to be big into exercise and took a break for awhile after my daughter was born. I noticed my anxiety went up and I had trouble sleeping at times and of course started to gain some weight. This short article from Mayo clinic reminds us just how important exercise (even 30 min brisk walking) is for everyone but especially if you suffer from anxiety or depression.

How Exercise Can Help Alleviate Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

Regular exercise probably helps ease depression in a number of ways, which may include:

1. Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters, endorphins and endocannabinoids)

2. Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression

3. Increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects

Here are a few tips to rack up the 30 minutes EXERCISE you need:

1. Taking the stairs at work or during your subway commute

2. Parking the car further away

3. Get off one stop sooner and walk

4. If you want to get to a yoga class and can’t seem to fit it in, find one on Youtube and do it for free in the comfort of your home.