It’s no secret that regular exercise is the key to longevity and a healthy life. Exercise helps us keep our bodies strong, our minds sharp, and motivates us throughout the day. In addition, regular exercise has amazing benefits for mental health. Regular exercise can ease depression symptoms and curb anxiety.
What is Depression
Depression is a mental health condition that presents itself in many ways. Most notably, depression is characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Individuals who suffer from depression often loss energy and interest in previous things they enjoyed, have irregular sleep pattern, and may have irregular eating patterns.
Depression can be brought on by many things: stress, financial trouble, family issues, school, and other outside pressures also play a hand in the onset of this condition. Studies have found that depression is also linked to a chemical imbalance that can affect mood. Due to the variation between life events and individuals, depression can affect everyone differently.
Depression can be a debilitating, isolating condition. In addition to the issues above, one Harvard study has found that depression can literally affect your ability to think, making the road to recovery even more difficult.
Exercise and the Brain
Exercise has amazing benefits for improving mood and alleviating the symptoms of depression. There are several reasons for this. When you exercise, your body releases what are called endorphins, neurotransmitters that act as the body’s ‘feel good’ delivery system. Endorphins act very similarly to opioids in your system, helping to boost move and alleviate pain.
Exercise also promotes rural growth and reduces inflammation, which has a positive effect on both the body and mind.
Exercise to Help Depression: Routine, Routine, Routine
In addition to the biological benefits of exercise, exercise can act as a good distraction from depressive thoughts. Exercise helps you be in the moment, staying in tune with your body. Paying close attention to the ways your body responds to exercise, from your breathe to your pulse, can break the cycle of negative thoughts and hopelessness.
Want even better news? You don’t have to work out super hard all the time for your exercise to help depression symptoms. A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that walking for one hour of running moderately for 15 minutes was shown to reduce the risk of major depression by 26%.
If you don’t think you have the time for that, or the prospect of starting a workout routine sounds daunting, that’s okay. Starting as small at 5 or 10 minute sessions and working your way up can help you build your routine while still boosting your mental health. The most important thing to remember is to stay consistent. Establishing a routine is one of the best thing you can do for both your body and your mind.
For more tips on the benefits of regular exercise, check out our blog!
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