We’ve known for a long time that exercise can boost mood and reduce anxiety, improving overall well-being. But according to a review republished in 2026, it might even relieve symptoms of depression.
The review, published in the Cochrane Library, assessed 73 randomized controlled trials and included almost 5,000 people with depression (many who had tried medication), of which 69 of the trials contributed data. The mission? To measure depression and mood and assess whether or not alternative approaches, such as exercise, could outperform medication like antidepressants or psychological therapy.
