Physical activity should be considered as a first-line treatment for depression and anxiety, according to a scientific review that analysed more than 95 scientific reviews involving 128,000 participants. The study found that physical activity was more effective than counselling or medication in some cases, and provided positive impacts across all studies. Shorter exercise interventions of 12 weeks or less were found to be the most effective in reducing mental health symptoms. The research highlights the need for exercise to be prioritised as a mainstay approach for managing depression and anxiety, particularly as it can make a positive change to mental health quickly. Study found in The British Journal of Sports Medicine – https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2023/03/02/bjsports-2022-106195