Dr Jeremy London Says 20-Minute Walks Cut Depression Risk 25%
Updated
Updated · Hindustan Times · Aug 13
Dr Jeremy London Says 20-Minute Walks Cut Depression Risk 25%
1 articles · Updated · Hindustan Times · Aug 13
Summary
20-minute walks can start improving brain health quickly, Dr Jeremy London said in an Instagram post, calling exercise an underappreciated antidepressant and urging simple movement over intense workouts.
Within 1 to 2 hours, a walk can lower circulating cortisol, pull people out of fight-or-flight mode, interrupt rumination and, with daylight exposure, help regulate circadian rhythm and mood.
Over the long term, brisk daily walking was cited as lowering depression risk by 25% and anxiety-disorder risk by about 29%; even a 10-minute walk was said to reduce depression risk by 18%.
London said exercise boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor and IGF-1, which support neuron growth and may reduce long-term Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s risk, while stressing movement is not a substitute for professional mental-health care.