subject: Can Exercise Fight Depression [print this page] Can Exercise Fight Depression Can Exercise Fight Depression
exercise, depression, depressed, working out, healthy
We all go through times when we feel down. There will always be days when you just want to stay at home and shut everyone out for a while. There are certain instances, however, when things can go out of hand. The chances that someone has depression could be high.
The person's ability to function normally is affected by depression which is characterized by persistent and severe sadness. Psychotherapy and a combination of different medications are used for the treatment of depression. Recent studies, however, revealed that aside from keeping our body fit, exercise can also ease up the effects of depression.
Exercise amps up the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters from our brain thus improving one's mood. Known to relieve pain, endorphins work with sedative receptors. Endorphins are also attributed to the relief of stress and frustration. Relaying signals between neurons and telling different parts of our body what they need to do are functions of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters also affect a person's mood, sleep, and concentration.
To manage their feeling, people with depression utilize different coping strategies. Sometimes, their coping strategies further leads to the development of another problem - substance abuse. Exercise is a healthy way of coping with depression. Exercising has countless benefits. Some of these are increased energy levels, lower blood pressure, and a stronger heart. Exercise takes off the person's mind away from his or her worries.
Exercise reduces the chemicals produced by our immune system which worsens depression. Physical activity causes our body temperature to increase, thus the calming effect brought by exercising. Not to mention, a person gains confidence when he or she meets exercise goals.
Therapies for depression often try to include the client into settings where they can interact with other people. A good social support oftentimes improves treatment outlook for people with depression. Joining group exercise activities gives the depressed individual chances to mingle.
Many specialists have discredited the possibility of including exercise to depression treatment. Exercise can go hand-in-hand with psychotherapy and medications. An individual may start with a daily thirty-minute exercise routine. Your starting routine does not have to be something really, really big. Starters may begin with simpler tasks such as housework, walking, biking, and gardening.
An individual can start with an exercise plan even without the assistance of a health care provider. However, if you are fifty years old and above, or have another existing health condition, it will be better if you seek the advice of your doctor first prior to starting an exercise plan.
