The links between physical activity and mental health are acutely true for children and young people as well. This has led to “social prescriptions” from GPs such as more time outdoors, daily walks, and moving from a purely medical model of care to one best suited for the individual, mixing physical activity, community engagement and medicine when needed. The authors argue that exercise is an efficacious treatment option for those suffering. The largest synthesis study of the effect of exercise on major depressive disorder and depressive symptoms showed moderate to large effects of exercise on depressive symptoms. It’s a case of laboratory and experimental science finally giving us a window into a phenomenon we recognise from our own lives, and from the many public health studies showing the benefits of exercise.

Our brains and bodies do better with exercise and physical activity, and more exercise makes us less anxious and depressed. The nitty gritty of myokines and underlying cellular mechanisms is complex. This has been referred to as “ muscle-brain cross-talk”. They do this by improving our mood, our ability to learn, our capacity for locomotor activity, and protect the brain from the negative effects of ageing. These small proteins travel to the brain, cross the blood-brain barrier, and act as an antidepressant. Among these chemicals are myokines, which have been referred to as “hope molecules”. When muscles contract, they secrete chemicals into the bloodstream. Research shows that there appears to be a clear scientific reason, that we can see at a cellular level. One of the most interesting health research projects of the past decade or so has looked at how exactly exercise makes us feel good. The physical benefits of movement such as lowered blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes and cancer, and healthy ageing, are well-known, and we’re beginning to understand more about the mental health benefits as well.

I feel it myself after a walk up Arthur’s Seat here in Edinburgh, a jog around the Meadows, or a sweaty hot yoga session in Leith. E xercise, in whatever form, and for however long, just makes life feel better.

Hope was here