When a sedentary lifestyle leads to complaints about listlessness and fatigue, consider engaging in regular, low-intensity exercise, suggests a new University of Georgia study. “Too often, we believe that a quick workout will leave us worn out, especially when we are already fatigued,” says researcher Tim Puetz, lead author of the study. “We have shown, however, that regular exercise can actually go a long way in increasing feelings of energy—particularly in sedentary individuals.”

Working with volunteers who did not exercise on a regular basis and had reported persistent fatigue, the researchers found that those who engaged in low-intensity workouts experienced a greater reduction in fatigue than others who exercised at a moderate intensity level. The research team’s analysis found, too, that exercise acts directly on the central nervous system to increase energy and reduce resulting fatigue. They associated such activity with both physical and mental health. Thus, every step closer to a healthier body also facilitates a healthier mind.