Manage depression: Protect Your HEart

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Depression Help That Boosts Heart Health Too

Fortunately, some of the same lifestyle improvements that help alleviate depression symptoms also improve heart health.

Exercise regularly: Not only does exercise alleviate mild depression, it helps reduce the overall incidence of heart disease. The best exercise, according to Stein, "is one you'll stick with." Aerobic exercise is most effective, including brisk walking, running, dancing, bicycling, and using an elliptical machine. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Seek social support: Maintain ties with your family, friends, church, and/or community. Studies have shown that people with a close-knit social support system had a lower rate of heart disease than those without such social support.

Reduce stress: One study found that patients with congestive heart failure who practiced Transcendental Meditation™ had improved heart function in tests after both three and six months compared with a control group. They also showed improvements in quality-of-life measurements and depression and had fewer rehospitalizations.

Tai chi, sometimes called moving meditation, uses a series of flowing body movements and is gentle, so anyone can do it. Not only does it reduce stress, but studies show it also improves respiratory function and aerobic fitness and can reduce blood pressure. If you want to try meditation or tai chi, seek out a class or practice on your own for about 20 minutes, twice a day.