[Robert Riddell is a Senior at the East Carolina University and is currently enrolled in the Athletic Lab Coach Apprenticseship Program] Millions of adults will experience at least one depressive episode this year. Seasonal affective disorder also known as seasonal depression, is when a person experiences serious mood change during the winter. In fact, about 9.5% of American adults are suffering from depression. Depression is the leading cause of disability, and is attributed with a major loss of productivity at work. It can affect concentration, productivity, alertness, and cognitive function. What does this have to do with exercise you might ask Research guided toward the association between exercise and depression has been increasing since the 1900s, and continues to increase today. Exercise is just as effective as psychotherapy in relieving depressive symptoms. Compared to therapy alone, running coupled with seeing a therapist results in much more effective treatment during the winter, but is not a replacement for professional care (if necessary). There is much less sunlight than in spring and summer, and depending on location, the weather might greatly reduce one's daily activity. Regardless, exercise can be a useful tool during the cold months to combat seasonal depression. Some of the well-known benefits of exercise include reducing the risk of disease, lowering blood pressure and increasing energy. I feel the most effective, yet least used methods of treatment for anxiety and depression is physical activity. Exercise not only changes us physically, but affects our mental state as well. It does so in a number of ways: Releases receptors in the brain called endorphins, chemicals that circulate through the body and reduce the perception of pain. Stimulates norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that can directly improve mood. Another [...]