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I have always been a supporter of physical fitness. I think that it offers many physical and mental health benefits and can improve quality of life. As I’ve been doing research, I’ve discovered that exercise is a really good way to decrease the symptoms of depression. In this post I’m going to dive deeper into this alternative “happy drug” known as exercise.
Along with other medicinal and therapeutic treatments for depression, many studies have shown that exercise can be very effective in reducing symptoms of depression. When we exercise, or body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins can trigger an uplifting feeling as well as reduce the perception of pain. Since depression can have many physical side effects and can be painful, the reduction of pain can particularly help people suffering from depression.
Exercise creates the same kind of feelings that morphine does. When someone exercises, they eliminate the need to seek other ways (such as drugs) to make them happy. Exercise reduces the use and abuse of morphine and other stimulating drugs in people with depression.
The Mayo Clinic lists several benefits of exercise that are not physical. Exercise has the capability to help us gain confidence, take our mind off of worries, get more social interaction, and cope in a healthy way. In people with depression, it can be hard to have the motivation to get more exercise which can be problematic. Exercise can decrease worry in a depressive patient which in conjunction with therapy and medications, can help cure depression.
Many people are intimidated by exercise because they don’t realize that you don’t have to have a structured exercise program to benefit from physical activity. Studies have shown that even just participating in activities that increase your activity level can improve your mood. Many people take up a hobby such as gardening, or take the stairs instead of the elevator to get this extra little bit of physical activity.
Before beginning a new exercise program, it is important to consult a doctor. Find out which activities are okay for you to do because everyone’s exercise program is going to be different. It is important to not take it too hard at first. Work into the routine and be sure to take it slow at first.
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