A new study suggests that dancing could be just as effective as antidepressant medications in the treatment of depression.
Australian researchers report that aerobic exercises such as jogging, swimming, and dancing have the most significant impact on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even light physical activity, such as walking, can lead to noticeable improvements in mental health symptoms.
The research, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found that exercise should be recommended with the same level of confidence as traditional treatments for depression. Scientists from James Cook University in Queensland emphasized that physical activity deserves a place in public health policies as an accessible, effective, and scientifically proven first-line intervention for mental health.
The benefits were found to be particularly strong among young adults and women experiencing the postnatal period.
In the United Kingdom, approximately one in six people is affected by depression, with women facing nearly twice the risk of developing the condition compared to men.
