One of the single best ways to improve both physical and mental health is to carve out time in your daily schedule to exercise. Even when you’re feeling fatigued and depressed, forcing yourself to work out can make a difference in boosting your mood, according to a 2013 study. The study found that rats who chose or were forced to exercise actually proved to be more resilient to stress than rats who didn’t exercise and ended up wallowing in helplessness. These rats repeatedly avoided escape routes in uncomfortable situations, while those that had exercised were able to figure out the routes.
Research has also shown that meditation is helpful in reducing anxiety and depression. Getting out of your own head is often one of the best ways to overcome anxiety in the moment, so planning to exercise in the morning before you start your day will give you an extra boost of protection against negative moods.