Jeff Rutstein, mindful exercise coach and author of Strengthening the Body to Heal the Mind. He works with clients from Harvard's Mental Health facilities:

"Go easy at first. Don't set impossible goals or expect too much too fast. Work out three times a week on non-consecutive days. The key is proper form and focus, not the amount of weight lifted. I'd suggest starting with one exercise per body part and learning the proper form with a very light intensity ‑- crunches, chair squats, wall push-ups, triceps push-downs, etc.

"Check your intensity. While doing aerobic exercise, you should be able to have a conversation, but you shouldn't be able to sing. If you're unable to hold a conversation, you're exercising too hard; if you can sing, it's too easy."

Debbie Mandel, MA, stress management expert and author of Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul:

"Omega threes seem to help a great deal. Eat fatty fish, walnuts, etc., or take supplements and gradually adjust to them. They can be a natural antidepressant and help stabilize blood sugar.

"Strength-train two times per week. Muscles burn more calories than fat, and strength training speeds up metabolism for up to 36 hours. Incorporate 45 minutes of cardio three to four times a week. Constantly change your fitness regime to wake up your body and avoid the dreaded plateau. The principle in strength training is to overload and adapt. You must make sure that you're exercising to your true potential and intensity ‑- not short-shrifting."