Depression And ExerciseDepression and exercise are exact opposites. The more you exercise, the less depressed you feel. While depression is very treatable with medication, therapy and other self-help options, exercise and depression are often ignored. Have you ever considered exercise as part of your treatment? Study after study has shown that exercise is a helpful way to treat depression because it: * Increases your sense control in your life. In fact, one study took groups of depressed people and put them on different programs for 16 weeks. One group got traditional medical treatment consisting of anti-depressants. Another group got an exercise program but no drugs. The third group got anti-depressants AND an exercise program. At the end of the 16 week study, the results were amazing. After a medical evaluation, 60.5 percent of the participants in the group that got medication alone and 68.8 percent of the group that got both medicine and exercise were classified as "no longer clinicallly depressed." Those results are to be expected, but the amazing part about depression and exercise was that 60.5 percent of the group that got an exercise program only were also diagnosed as "no longer clinically depressed!" Almost the same percentage cured with only exercise! It may seem impossible to get moving when you feel depressed but that's exactly what you have to do. No matter how tired you feel, getting up and moving around can bring some immediate relief to your symptoms and getting in a little exercise is an excellent way to work off some of that added stress you're carrying around. Keep It Simple The problem with depression is that it makes you feel like you have no energy. Even getting out of bed can take a monumental effort, so it may be hard to imagine exercising at all when you're depressed. But remember, depression and exercise can be your cure! No matter what your thoughts are telling you, it really is possible to exercise when you're depressed. If you take some simple steps, you can add a little activity to your day to help lift your mood and work through your depression. Set a small, achievable goal to build confidence. You don't have to train for a marathon. Set a goal to get dressed and take a walk in your neighborhood. Not only will you get some exercise but you'll also see people. Socialization is very important during this time. Promise yourself you'll walk around the block a couple of times that day. The next day, do more. Try to improve just a little bit each day. Go easy on yourself. You might not be able to handle a lot of exercise, so try to feel good about what you CAN do. Now is not the time to kick yourself!
Do something you enjoy. If walking feels good to you, keep doing it. If you usually enjoy they gym, get your bag packed and hit the treadmill. Even if you're not enjoying it right now, eventually you will.
Make it a social outlet. Try to find a friend or family member to exercise with. Depression and exercise doesn't need to be done alone. Talking to people can help raise your energy and remind you that you're not alone. Get out! Getting out into the sune can help raise your mood. Try to get outside and get some fresh air. Work with your doctor. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your treatment options and your plans to exercise. He or she may be able to refer you to someone who can help you set up an exercise program. Whatever you do, don't give up. You're not alone and you aren't doomed to feel this way forever. Try to participate in life as much as you can, even if it doesn't feel good. Sometimes you have to do what's right for yourself and wait for the good feelings to come later. Exercise can be a big help with your mood and the sense of accomplishment can add a new dimension to your day--something you can be proud of and feel good about. Depression and exercise are the perfect combination to help you on your way out of the darkness!
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