1 - Race

No need to start overnight or run a marathon, but know that just 5 minutes of running a day is enough time for you to feel better and live longer. What's more, running burns a lot of calories, reduces your desire to eat and decreases the chances that you will develop heart disease.

Other than that, running has a very positive influence on your mood, as exercise releases large amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that cause a sense of well-being. Want one more reason to take that basic run? So there you go: Running can have the same brain benefits as meditation, which is great for anyone, but even better for those with depression or anxiety.

In a 2006 study, published in the Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, researchers were able to prove that exercise can have very similar effects to antidepressants. Still not convinced? Okay, we have one more reason: running will make you sleep better at night - and sleeping well is one of the keys to mental health in the day.

Running is cool!

2 - Nature walks

There are countless benefits that a person can have through contact with nature, and we all know that. Walking in a park, near a lake or anywhere you might be in contact with nature is always a good thing.

There is evidence that being in areas close to trees, plants, lawns, and natural surroundings in general can reduce our anxiety levels. This is because plants emit chemicals that aim to slow down their weakening process, which is eventually transmitted to us humans.

In 2009, a study published in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine found that people who made contact with nature for at least 20 minutes a day had lower stress levels compared to people who only stayed in urban areas. More recent research has shown that contact with nature can even improve our memory.

Give nature more chances

3 - Yoga

Against namaste, there are no arguments: doing yoga can significantly improve mental health by decreasing depression, anxiety, and bad feelings such as anger. No wonder many more up-to-date experts are recommending yoga as a complementary form to treatment for depression and anxiety.

In 2012, a group of researchers studied the effects of yoga practice on people with anxiety and high stress levels. No doubt: when you have yoga in between, people are calmer, happier, and more emotionally balanced.

In addition to stretching and improving muscles, yoga focuses heavily on breathing, which is critical in terms of mental health, a great appeal to those who have anxiety or depression - and for anyone who wants to feel better about themselves, it's clear.

That person could be you someday

***

What physical activity makes you feel happier and calmer? Comment on the Mega Curious Forum