everybody knows that exercise is good for your body and overall health but did you know that exercise also has a major impact on mental health as well a recent study completed at harvard university school of public health found that jogging 15 minutes a day or 60 minutes of walking reduced the risk for developing a major depressive disorder by 26 the mental health benefits of exercise include improved self-esteem improved energy better sleep increased production of dopamine and serotonin and an improved response to stress and frustration just 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week is enough to dramatically improve mental and physical health if done consistently over time and try scheduling your workouts during the time of day when you have the most energy so if you or anyone you know are struggling with some type of anxiety or depressive disorder get up and get moving exercise is free and it turns out it is one of the best medicines you can take for just about whatever it is that ails you