If you have depression or anxiety, nowadays you may find your doctor prescribing a regular dose of exercise in addition to medication and therapy.
Though it's not a magic bullet, increasing physical activity is key to managing the symptoms of depression. Many depressed people find themselves in a state of very low energy, and it can be very difficult to overcome the inertia and get moving. But once they do, they often find that the ease in their symptoms is often a great incentive to keep going, and to do it again and again.
The beauty is that it doesn't really matter WHAT you do! You can walk, run, cycle, lift weights, take yoga, ballet, or a step class. You can even go out and weed the garden, or vacuum the house. Some depressed persons gain additional benefit by exercising with others, while some actually manage better exercising solo. The important thing is to get moving.
Here are 4 great ways that exercise provides emotional and psychological benefits for someone suffering from depression:
Confidence: You gain confidence because you feel a sense of accomplishment. Your body begins to change as you lose some bodyfat, get stronger, etc, and meeting a goal you set for yourself can give you a huge boost when you really need it.
Distraction: Exercise serves as a distraction, because it can shift your focus from unpleasant thoughts to something more pleasing, such as your surroundings, background music, or just the rhythm of the movements.
Socialization: Social interaction is extremely important for the depressed person. Isolation is common in depression, and by exercising, you may gain an opportunity to interact with others, even if it's just a wave and a smile as you walk around the neighborhood.
Coping: And lastly, exercise helps you cope in a healthy manner by the knowledge that you're doing something positive for yourself.
If you're depressed, seek help without delay. But don't be surprised if your doctor hands you the number of a personal trainer in addition to a medical prescription!
Be healthy, my friends.
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