EP79: Exercise vs. Postpartum Blues. A Science-Backed Guide to Crushing Anxiety and Depression

The transition into motherhood is no joke—one minute you're staring at your sleeping baby, and the next, you feel like you're drowning in a sea of worry. If your stress levels are through the roof and you feel "off," you are definitely not alone. High-level research proves that exercise is literally a first-line treatment for depression and anxiety, matching the efficacy of meds and therapy. For new moms and young adults, aerobic and group-based activities offer the strongest mental shield against mood disorders. Reference: Munro, N. R., Teague, S., Somoray, K., Simpson, A., Budden, T., Dimmock, J., Jackson, B., & Rebar, A. (2026). Effect of exercise on depression and anxiety symptoms: systematic umbrella review with meta-meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 0, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2025-110301 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn