Gardening and moderate physical activities ‘may cut depression risk by 23%’

Low intensity physical activity such as gardening can reduce the risk of anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders (Ben Birchall/PA)

Moderate physical activities such as gardening, golf and walking are associated with a lower risk of depression, according to research.

An umbrella review of several studies has found low to moderate intensity exercise cuts the risk of depression by 23%, anxiety by 26%, and psychosis or schizophrenia by 27%.