Physical activity: a powerful ally for morale
This is where Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, a psychiatrist and researcher at the University of Ottawa, comes in. In an editorial published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, he argues for an approach that is still too little used: structured physical exercise.
His message is clear: regular exercise shouldn’t be a simple recommendation slipped in at the end of a consultation, but a genuine component of the care pathway. According to him, ignoring the potential of physical activity would mean missing out on a major lever for improving symptoms related to depression.
Note that this isn’t just a casual Sunday stroll. The specialist describes personalized programs built according to the FITT principle: frequency, intensity, duration, and type of activity. In other words, a structured and progressive framework, adapted to each individual’s lifestyle and abilities, to prevent discouragement or injury.
Why does it work? Because exercise works on several levels: it promotes the release of endorphins, improves sleep quality, boosts self-esteem, and establishes a structured routine. A virtuous circle, like well-mixed pancake batter: the more you stick to it, the more satisfying the result.
