Meditation and Running to the Rescue

Findings from a small Rutgers University study suggest that the combination of mindfulness meditation and running may have an even more powerful impact on depression than either of those practices does alone.

Researchers had participants who were diagnosed with depression as well as a control group learn mindfulness meditation and practice it, followed by running on a treadmill or cycling on a stationary bike.

After just eight weeks, self-reported symptoms declined and performance on computerized tests showed improvement in focus and concentration — for both groups. The researchers hypothesize that running stimulates the development of new brain cells, while meditation helps keep them alive and functioning.