Take a hike

The effectiveness of a lifestyle change is equal to drugs or counseling according to a new study. A simple walk outside can have the same positive effect as medication without the side effects.

The study shows that depression, anxiety as well as other mental health conditions can be treated with certain lifestyle changes, not unlike diabetes or obesity. This is according to Roger Walsh, MD, PhD of the University of California, Irvine’s College of Medicine. He studied what he calls “therapeutic lifestyle changes” or TLCs. These include exercise, diet, relationships recreation, relaxation, stress management, spiritual involvement including religious activity, spending time in nature and community service. His findings are published in American Psychologist.

“Lifestyle changes can offer significant therapeutic advantages for patients, therapists, and societies, yet are insufficiently appreciated, taught or utilized,” pointed out Walsh. These changes are effective, cheap, and mostly enjoyable. They have fewer side effects than drugs.

Benefits are as varied as the sources. Exercise reduces anxiety and depression, improves cognitive performance, reduces memory loss and increases new neuron formation in the brain. Diet can help school performance and reduce symptoms in affective and schizophrenic disorders. Recreation can reduce defensiveness and increase social skills and confidence. Meditation improves empathy, sensitivity and emotional stability, reduces stress and enhances cognitive functions (even brain size!).

“In the 21st century, therapeutic lifestyles may need to be a central focus of mental, medical and public health,” concluded Walsh.

Source: American Psychological Association, ScienceDaily