Which statement best describes the core daily practice for addressing depression?

• A. Only running marathons
• B. Regular yoga, pranayama, and meditation
• C. Only reading
• D. Watching TV late at night

Answer: (B)

Regular yoga, pranayama, and meditation stand out because they provide a daily, practical routine that targets mood regulation through movement, breath, and mindful attention. Yoga helps release physical tension and improve body awareness, while pranayama shapes breathing patterns to calm the nervous system, reducing sympathetic arousal and boosting parasympathetic activity. Meditation trains the mind to notice and interrupt negative thought cycles, decreasing rumination that often fuels depressive feelings. Together, these practices can lower stress hormone activity, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being, with evidence showing reductions in depressive symptoms when done regularly.

Running a marathon, though beneficial for fitness, is not typically feasible as a daily habit for most people and can be physically demanding, which may not suit everyone with depression. Reading is helpful for engagement and mood in some cases, but it does not specifically train the body and mind to regulate mood in the same way. Watching TV late at night tends to disrupt sleep, which can worsen mood and depression.