STOPPING exercise can result in increased depressive symptoms, according to new mental health research from the University of Adelaide.

PhD student Julie Morgan reviewed studies that examined the effects of stopping exercise in regularly active adults — those who were doing at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times a week for at least three months.

In some cases, ceasing exercise induced significant increases in depressive symptoms after just three days.

Professor Bernhard Baune, senior author on the paper and head of psychiatry at the University of Adelaide, said the depressive symptoms that arose after stopping exercise occurred independently of biological markers typically involved.

“This suggests some kind of novel effect in these cases, although we should add some caution here, as the number of people included in the studies we examined was small. Such findings would need to be replicated in additional trials,” he said.

Prof Baune said the lack of research in this specific area points to the need for further studies, to help better understand the way in which stopping exercise affects depressive symptoms.

“For now, it is important that people understand the potential impact on their mental wellbeing when they suddenly cease regular exercise,” he said.

I really need to start exercising again. I know I'd cope better with anger, stress, anxiety etc if I just got off my lazy ass and went for a run...but I struggle to get motivated. I've tried and failed so many times I just don't want to bother anymore lol.

Hmm. Thanks for sharing.