It’s true that when you are depressed, even walking to the mailbox takes more energy than you have, and the very thought of “an exercise program” can make your heart sink. But a new study from Harvard researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has some good news that might encourage you to make a modest but regular effort. Even gentle activity several times a week helps with depression and, importantly, helps stave off future episodes, even in those with a genetic predisposition to depression.

“The researchers found that both high-intensity forms of activity, such as aerobic exercise, dance, and exercise machines, and lower-intensity forms, including yoga and stretching, were linked to decreased odds of depression. Overall, individuals could see a 17 percent reduction in odds of a new episode of depression for each added four-hour block of activity per week.”

You can read more about the study here in The Harvard Gazette.