The claimWhat Kristen actually said
Bell, who has spoken openly about anxiety and depression, wrote in an Instagram post that she notices a big difference between the times she exercises and the times she does not. A 2021 CNBC Make It profile reported she works out a couple of days a week specifically for her mental health, mixing cardio, circuit training and Pilates.
- nbcnewyork.com: Kristen Bell in their own words
- Noetel M et al., BMJ, 2024, network meta-analysis of 218 RCTs: walking or jogging, yoga and strength training moderately reduced depression
- Singh B et al., Br J Sports Med, 2023, overview of 97 systematic reviews: physical activity had medium effects on depression, anxiety and distress
- Schuch FB et al., J Psychiatr Res, 2016, meta-analysis adjusting for publication bias: exercise had a large antidepressant effect
Why it mattersWhy this matters for longevity
Depression and anxiety are among the most common health conditions in adults.
Exercise is low cost and widely available compared with many treatments.
Knowing the size of the effect helps people set realistic expectations.
The evidenceWhat the science says
A 2024 BMJ network meta-analysis of 218 randomized trials found walking or jogging, yoga and strength training produced moderate reductions in depression, with larger effects at higher intensity. A 2023 umbrella review of 97 systematic reviews found physical activity had medium effects on depression, anxiety and psychological distress, and a 2016 meta-analysis that adjusted for publication bias still found a large antidepressant effect.
Many of the trials are small, cannot blind participants and carry a high risk of bias, so confidence in the exact effect size is low to moderate. The evidence does not show that exercise should replace therapy or medication for anyone, and Bell herself has described using both.
TakeawayThe honest takeaway
The practical lesson
A few sessions a week of movement you will actually repeat is a reasonable, evidence-backed addition to mental health care.
Planning for a parent, or for yourself?
Good habits matter, and so does knowing what help exists. AIOSeniors asks a few questions and gives you a free, personalized list of what applies: government programs, nonprofits and community resources included, whether or not anyone earns anything from them. Where the answer is not known, it says so.
RelatedRelated habits
Each of these is a habit you can build on its own. Explore them through the Topics index.
SupplementsThe supplement angle: None needed
Support a habit, do not replace one
The benefit in these trials comes from the activity itself, not from any supplement. Anyone on treatment for depression or anxiety should keep their clinician in the loop before changing it.
Supplements can support good habits. They do not replace sleep, movement, nutrition, or medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting anything new.
This is educational commentary, not medical advice, and does not imply that Kristen Bell endorses, is affiliated with, or uses Winning Longevity or any product. We critique the claim and the evidence, not the person. Any direct quote is a placeholder until sourced. Talk with a qualified healthcare provider before changing your routine. See our health disclaimer.
