Exercise and Depression

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It doesn't seem like exercise and depression would be related but they are. Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of severe depression knows just how debilitating it can be. Depression can affect lives by wreaking havoc on work and personal relationships.

People who suffer from depression many times suffer from very low self-esteem and body image. In order to treat depression and prevent it from occurring again, exercise and physical activity are needed on a regular basis.

When people exercise not only does it get you in shape, it also causes your body to release doses of certain chemicals. These chemicals are known as endorphins and endorphins are mood enhancer chemicals. Endorphins are normally released by your brain when you experience pain or an uncomfortable stimulus. Endorphins also enable feelings of calm and serenity to be felt.

Many people who exercise feel a rush of happiness or euphoria right after their workout. This is commonly referred to as "runner's high" and can completely change the way a person views life in a positive way!

exercise and depression, symptoms of severe depression

The difference in your body's ability to achieve a natural high through exercise versus achieving a high through the use of drugs is that the one your body provides is healthy and non-addicting.

On the mental level the effects of exercise are that it

lowers your stress levels
keeps away dismal feelings
raises self-esteem and awareness
improves sleeping habits

On the physical side, it

increases your cardiovascular health
gives you more energy
keeps blood pressure low
keeps fat off
strengthens the muscles and bone structure of the body
and improves the body image.

Incorporating exercise into your daily routine, if you are suffering from depression can be done gradually, over time you may want to increase the amount of exercising being done to gain all of the health benefits.

Many studies have been done on the correlation between exercise and depression throughout the years. Many people who suffer from depression may not be able to handle the medications and their associated side effects. With exercise, the only negative side effect is that initially upon starting an exercise regime there will be some soreness. Your body needs to adjust to working and using muscles that have up until that point been lax.

Exercise and depression go hand in hand. For people who suffer from mild to severe cases of depression warning signs, exercise is one of the most effective ways to successfully treat it.

When we say exercise, it doesn't mean that it has to be some rigid routine that you may not be motivated to do or enjoy; there are many different activities that not only classify as exercise, but they are also fun to do as well.

riding a bike
dancing
yoga
playing sports
walking
jogging
swimming

or even cleaning up your home or doing some yard work all constitute some form of exercise. Even fifteen minutes of any of those activities will lift your spirits and keep depression at bay.

If you suffer from depression and are looking for a way to exercise, then try joining a group or getting a partner who can encourage you and provide moral support while learning how to effectively manage your depression with exercise.

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