Depression is projected to be a leading social and economic burden worldwide by the year 2020 — second only to coronary artery disease, says Mladen Golubic, MD, PhD. While psychotherapy and medication are effective, they’re not for everyone. But one treatment is free and universally available, he says: exercise.

“Exercise will also lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol profile, help control blood sugar, and reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and common cancers,” adds Dr. Golubic. And, of course, it helps you achieve or maintain a healthy weight.