Managing Depression with Exercise

Exercise not only keeps the body healthy but also helps ease depression by releasing feel-good chemicals in the brain. Studies also show that exercise lowers stress. It's one of the easiest and most well-tolerated treatment options, which makes it accessible and effective for many young clients. The Managing Depression with Exercise worksheet empowers clients to stay active and set movement goals, track their progress, and recognize the positive impact physical activity has on their mood. This two-page fillable worksheet set features a list of exercises they can try and asks them questions about their favorite exercise and their plan for the following week. Kids and teens using this worksheet can build an exercise routine that boosts both their physical health and mental strength, which allows them to feel better overall. After completing the worksheet, adults can help them follow a consistent schedule and check in from time to time. Moreover, adults can act as coaches by making personalized adjustments to the child’s exercise routine based on how they are doing. Our Benefits of Physical Activity handout pairs nicely with these worksheets. *This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed. Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of depression worksheets and handouts. References: Eyre, H., & Baune, B. T. (2012). Neuroimmunological effects of physical exercise in depression. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 26(2), 251-266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2011.09.015 Stanton, R., & Reaburn, P. (2014). Exercise and the treatment of depression: A review of the exercise program variables. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 17(2), 177-182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2013.03.010 Turner, D., Carter, T., Sach, T., Guo, B., & Callaghan, P. (2017). Cost-effectiveness of a preferred intensity exercise programme for young people with depression compared with treatment as usual: An economic evaluation alongside a clinical trial in the UK. BMJ Open, 7(11), e016211. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016211