Our nation is dealing with a public health threat that was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a CNN/Kaiser Family Foundation poll, 90% of Americans feel we are in a mental health crisis.

A 2023 Gallup survey found that nearly 30% of adults reported being diagnosed with depression in their lifetime. This was an increase of more than 10% since 2015. Feelings of anxiety and depression have grown to levels where virtually everyone is affected in some way.

But there are simple, science-backed interventions, says INC., beyond the obvious of getting professional therapeutic help, that can significantly reduce your risk of developing depression.

• Exercise. One hour of exercise weekly cuts your risk of depression by nearly in half, according to large Norwegian study. “The researchers concluded that just one hour of exercise a week reduces the chances of developing depression by a massive 44%,”  reports The American Journal of Psychiatry. It’s easy to find 60 minutes to exercise throughout the week to reap the enormous benefits.

• Take a vacation. Time Off Allianz conducts an annual survey of Americans’ vacation habits and found that things are grim when people don’t take vacation days, know as “vacation deficit disorder.” “Almost one-third of Americans with a vacation deficit demonstrate symptoms of mild to moderate depression, while 12% would be considered to be suffering signs of moderately severe to severe depression,” the survey revealed. Compare that to 8% of the general population that suffers from major depression each year, and you see how taking vacation time boosts mental health.

• Spend more time in green spaces.  One study out of Germany published in the journal Scientific Reports showed that more trees in a neighborhood correlated with fewer prescriptions for antidepressants among its residents, says Inc. That effect was particularly noticeable among the less wealthy. In Philadelphia, a group of scientists cleaned up and planted tress and other greenery in vacant lots. People living nearby showed an impressive 41.5% reduction in self-reported depression symptoms. These studies reveal that you don’t have to spend time in forests to get the soothing benefits of Mother Nature. Choosing to live on a greener street, or planting more greenery in your surrounding neighborhood can have a hefty benefit on reducing your risk of depression.