How Exercise Can Combat Depression
You're tired, energy-less, and seem to be falling into a funk of wanting to move as little as possible, and eat whatever is in sight. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness make you want to curl up in a ball and shut out whatever responsibility you might have. Does this sound familiar? These feelings are more common than you might think. Studies show that those who exercise regularly are more likely to have a positive mood, and lower rates of depression. Could exercise really be a cure to lessening the effects of depression? The answer is yes. How is this possible? Well, those who exercise tend to have an improvement in their positive self image. Although working out may not seem extremely fun and exciting while you are doing it, the feeling you get after you done can't be topped. This feeling termed a, "runners high," is somewhat euphoric, and makes you feel like life is alright. Exercise releases a chemical in your body called endorphins, which spur this temporary mood lift. These endorphins are in your brain, and can reduce your perspective of pain. Exercise can also reduce stress, strengthen your heart, reduce your blood pressure, lower your risk of diseases, lower your body fat, increase your bone mass, and the list goes on and on. All of these factors make your chances of depression lessened.
Far too often it seems that people are turning straight to prescriptions to find help for their depression, without even trying any other means. Although in some cases, completely necessary, prescriptions can be addictive and can cause an unhealthy relationship between the medicine and the patient. Part of the reason individuals fall into a depression is due to their low self esteem because they may feel overweight and out of shape. Exercise is a safe route of treatment, and won't cause any harmful side effects, as some medications can, and can help burn stomach fat, that might be a factor in causing that low self esteem in the first place. Studies have shown that for patients with depression to see the benefits that exercise can offer them, they need to be engaging in about three hours of exercise per weeks. Of course those with depression should see a doctor, and be properly evaluated, but if you are feeling down a great way to get a natural pick-me-up is by getting moving!
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