One morning, a reporter approached golfing legend Ben Hogan as he was on his way to the practice area before the start of the last day of a major tournament.

As the reporter began to ask a question, Hogan put up his hand and said: "Not now. I've already started my round."

Researchers at Rutgers University recently conducted a study of 52 students, 22 of whom had a major depressive disorder while 30 were considered typical, healthy individuals.

Both groups started out doing 30 minutes of focused-attention meditation, which is like what Hogan was doing; you don't have to be locked in a dark room to meditate. They also did 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise twice a week. Hogan did a lot more than that on the golf course.

That combination reduced the students' symptoms of depression by 40 percent, and it was significantly effective in just two months.

If you struggle with serious depression or just the blues, start your mood-improving regimen by doing some mindful meditation. Then launch an aerobics routine.

The study used both a treadmill and a stationary bike. You also could take an aerobics class, swim, jog, adopt an interval walking routine or bicycle outdoors.

With a regular schedule of meditation and aerobics, you'll soon be less fatigued and more engaged in life, and accomplish more every day.