Feeling Down? Just Try One Workout
The benefits of exercise are many - and here is yet another good reason to get out and work your body:
A single 30-minute walk on a treadmill can give a temporary emotional lift to patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, the results of a small study suggest.
There are a number of studies that show how regular exercise can help treat depression over time - and that active adults are less likely to suffer depression that sedentary adults (via ACSM Journal). However the toughest thing is actually finding the motivation to get active.
Only last night I made the comment to someone "There is nothing like the feeling you get after a good workout". There is something about a good workout that balances your body with an overworked mind. You can happily sit down and relax and feel good about it. Post-workout is also one of the few times where your body can actually make good use of High-GI carbohydrates (if you're strength training). Science has some other reasons for the feel-good factor:
...physical activity seems to affect some key nervous system chemicals -- norepinephrine and serotonin -- that are targets of antidepressant drugs, as well as brain neurotrophins, which help protect nerve cells from injury and transmit nerve signals in brain regions related to mood.
If you don't exercise and workout as part of your weekly routine - you are missing out! It's a shame that exercise has been branded as something unpleasant. The benefits to your mind and body are enormous.
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Of course, one of the major problems is that it is common, when you're in a depressive episode, to find it almost (if not completely) impossible to exercise. Really, really impossible, even knowing that it will make you feel better eventually. So it's sort of a catch-22.
ReplyCompletely agree. In fact if you do not suffer from depression, getting yourself to begin the activity can be a real motivational challenge. From experience, I've found that structure is VERY important. If your week is organized then it makes it a little easier to do the tasks you've set yourself.
During a seriously bad episode however, just bothering to get out of bed is very difficult.
ReplyI had two depressive episodes in my life, it was debilitating. That was years ago but I know how it felt. Today I don't feel depressed at all now but my weight causes some lethargic moves. I don't get the urge to exercise but if I push myself as early as possible to do some kind of activity it seems to give me the energy to motivate through the day in a better mood body and mind. I have never exercised and felt regretful. I do know how to pace myself. Good luck to anyone who suffers depression, there is hope, do something about it, I did.
ReplyThis is harldly news. Furthermore you run easily into the exercise trap where you excercise more and more because you feel so much better afterwards but actually you are adding more and more stress to your system, making it worse. And that is the exact opposite of what you want to do when you are depressed.
Please drink and excercise in moderation.
ReplyI am a believer of this! After my husband cheated on me I was feeling way down and gained about 30 pounds in 6 months. I didnt want to do anything or talk to anyone. Then one day I just woke up and joined a gym. 1 month later and I feel great!! If Im feeling kinda down that day I know once I go to the gym that I will feel so much better.
ReplyI think this is true. My psychiatrist suggested I work out and I feel much better. In addition to the feel-good endorphins working produces, the healthier looking body makes you feel much better about yourself.
ReplyJust get out of bed...just get to the gym, walk around the park. I realize what depression is having seen it in my own family, and the reason I haven't suffered from really bad depression is because when I began to feel down I JUST DID IT. Nike had at least one thing right with that ad campaign. I really feel, and I know that y'all will disagree, and that is the crux of the situation that if you get off your fat butt, the battle is almost won.
ReplyHold on
Walking . Done that
Weight-lifting . Done that
Is there anything that can be measured on how much nor epinephrine and serotonin is developed on which ever exercise
Ive even done push ups and pull ups and sit ups
Only difference is my physical structure
Or is this those type of depression relievers which you force yourself to be proud of your achievements
Reply