Frank Harrison, President of Health-E-Media, On Depression

Numerous studies indicate that exercise offers cardiovascular and other physical benefits. However, many may not realize that exercise is also a great way to stabilize mood. Researchers have recently learned that cycling is one of the best ways to get a low-impact workout that also acts as a mood enhancer.

Exercise and Biological Responses

When exercising or engaging in physical activity, the body releases endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving compounds. A regular workout regimen has been shown to release the enzymes and proteins necessary to encourage neural repair and growth, which also increases the number of neuron connections in the brain. Research performed on patients diagnosed as having depression revealed that the individuals had a hippocampus that was smaller than the average person. The brain region is responsible for various tasks that include mood regulation. By engaging in activities that encourage nerve growth, the brain is better able to keep an individual's mood stable.

Psychological Research

From 2011 through 2015, a group of psychiatric researchers evaluated the mental health status of more than one million people using data obtained from the Risk Factors Surveillance System Survey provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The questions on the survey asked whether they exercised, what type of exercise they preferred and how often they engaged in the physical activity. The study participants were also asked to share their experience with depression, stress or other emotional issues.

The information the group obtained revealed that the individuals who engaged in some type of physical activity had 1.4 fewer days of poor moods each month compared to the survey participants who did not exercise. Survey takers formerly having a diagnosis of depression reported have fewer bad days once they began an exercise regimen.

Types of Exercise Important

The survey also revealed that different types of exercise provided different levels of relief from depression. Team sports have the ability to elevate mood by more than 23 percent compared to people who did not exercise. Cycling came in a close second by offering a 21.6 percent improvement.

Biking outdoors provides the chance to feel the sunshine on your face, the wind in your hair and to experience the beauty of nature. Cycling with friends provides the added benefit gained from being social. The sport can also be enjoyed indoors year- round while listening to favorite tunes, watching TV or a movie.

About Frank Harrison

Frank Harrison is a dedicated and talented professional working in the healthcare industry. Throughout his career, Frank Harrison has served in a variety of positions in multiple different fields, from marketing to finance and everything in between. Frank Harrison is currently based out of New York City.