Written by Chris Muldoon, founder of Strideful
When you’re living with depression, even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming. Just getting out of bed can feel like a win some days. So, the idea of exercise might sound impossible.
If that’s where you are, you’re not alone.
You might not hear enough that you don’t need a hardcore workout to start feeling better. It might help to rethink what “exercise” means altogether. Even gentle movement—a walk around the block or a few stretches between meetings—can lift mood, energy, and clarity.
Let’s explore how movement can help manage depression symptoms, how to get started, and why every step truly counts.
Why Movement Helps with Depression
We often consider exercise a means to lose weight or get in shape. But its benefits go far beyond the physical. When it comes to depression, movement can have powerful effects on both your brain and your emotional health.
On a biological level
Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, endocannabinoids, and more. These neurochemicals play a key role in regulating mood and reducing anxiety. It also helps lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, and supports better sleep and brain function.