Years ago, I volunteered at a support group for teenage girls who had general anxiety and at times depressive thoughts. Many of them had unhealthy attachments from ineffective parenting early in life, and had seen abuse in their homes, both verbal and physical. The group allowed the girls to discuss whatever they had on their minds, in a very free and accepting manner. We talked about relationships, sex, schoolwork among other topics, and the girls certainly seemed to find strength in numbers, confiding deep fears and insecurities to all of us.

The concept of exercise was introduced at the start of the sessions, short sudden bursts of movement to get their blood flowing. In total, perhaps 8-10 minutes were spent per session, either with dancing, jumping jacks, or running in place. The girls described feeling much calmer after the exercise, and more easily able to rationalize any disturbing thoughts they previously had. In the book, Exercise and the Brain, Robert Baloh talks in depth how exercise leads to extra release of dopamine and endorphins, which have mood enhancing effects. Also, more frequent, higher intensity exercise protects against anxiety and depression more than lower intensity.