Scientists from the University of Cambridge (England) and Fudan University (China) named habits that reduce the risk of depression. These include moderate alcohol consumption, healthy sleep and nutrition, physical and social activity, absence of nicotine addiction, and a moderately active lifestyle. Research results published In the journal Nature.
According to the World Health Organization, one in every 20 adults suffers from depression. This is a mental illness manifested by a persistent decrease in mood, motor retardation and thinking disorder.
After analyzing data from nearly 290,000 people from a biological sample repository in Britain, scientists found that 13,000 participants had depression. The researchers observed all the subjects for nine years. Scientists tried to identify differences in the habits and lifestyles of people with and without depression.
It turns out that getting enough healthy sleep reduces the risk of depression by 22%. Communication and active social life increased by 18%, moderate alcohol consumption by 11%, healthy eating by 6%, regular physical activity by 14%, smoking cessation by 20% and moderately active lifestyle by 13%.
Scientists have also found that the combination of these habits has a positive impact on the lives of people who are genetically predisposed to depression.
The study’s authors added that when people talk about a healthy lifestyle, they often think of its benefits to physical health. But healthy habits are equally important to prevent anxiety, depression and stress and maintain mental balance.
Previously found The relationship between anxiety and physical activity.