Can Exercise Actually Fix Your Mood?

Can you actually "reset" your brain chemicals with a five-minute walk? Can a newborn really weigh as much as a standard toddler? And if you had a hysterectomy decades ago, why is your pelvis still throbbing in pain? In this episode, we talk to Professor Simon Rosenbaum , a researcher and exercise psychologist at UNSW Sydney, to find out why "lifestyle change" is now considered a first-line treatment for depression in Australia. We unpack the science of the "brain reset", why the best workout for your mental health is simply the one you don't hate, and how movement can be a secret superpower for your resilience. Plus, in Med School, we take a deep dive into the world of "giant babies". From the TikTok trend of "chonky bubbas" to the world record holder who gave birth to a nearly 10kg infant (yes, you read that right), we celebrate the incredible, superhero feats of the female body. And, in our Quick Consult, Dr. Mariam helps Linda, a 70-year-old listener dealing with chronic pelvic pain 30 years post-hysterectomy. She explains the reality of internal scar tissue, why "zero" is the only normal amount of pain regardless of your age, and the team of experts you need to reclaim your quality of life. EPISODE RESOURCES If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today's show, check out these helpful links: MOVE by Mamamia Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines GET IN TOUCH Sign up to the Well Newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trusted health expertise without the medical jargon. Ask a question of our experts or share your story, feedback, or dilemma - you can send it anonymously here , email here or leave us a voice note here . Ask The Doc: Ask us a question in The Waiting Room .

You can listen to Can Exercise Actually Fix Your Mood? online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Can Exercise Actually Fix Your Mood? is an episode from The Well by Well.

This episode is 27:14 long.

This episode was published on Mar 11, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from The Well when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.