You should really listen to your doctor when he or she tells you that exercising will keep you positive. Especially if you are down or depressed – working out elevates mood and increase energy. A new study suggests that even a single workout can provide immediate benefits in lifting the mood of the seriously depressed.

Researchers compared the effects of 30 minutes of walking on a treadmill with 30 minutes of quiet rest in 40 adults recently diagnosed with depression. The results showed that both groups reported reductions in feelings like tension, anger, depression, and fatigue. But only the exercise group reported feeling good, as measured by improved scores on "vigor" and "well-being" indicators.

Exercise, even in short spurts, has short-term benefits to relieving depression – even if it’s temporary it could lift the spirits of the depressed and help treat the disorder. It’s more safe and effective than self-medicating with alcohol, caffeine or tobacco. Healthy-minded? You should still keep exercising to enhance mood and stay positive.