Depression and Exercise

Depression can overtake a person without notice. Be it clinical, manic or situational depression, a person can be affected physically and emotionally to the point of not functioning in the world. There are various techniques and methods for pulling away from depression and exercise is one of them.

Depression and exercise are opposites. One holds you down while the other rejuvenates you. Studies have shown that exercise is a good weapon against depression.

The effect exercise has on depression varies:

• Increases self-esteem
• It distracts you from your concerns
• It helps you get rid of pent-up frustrations
• Tires you and in turn helps you sleep better

Still, depression can make exercising difficult. When someone is dealing with depression and exercise is a solution, things can seem a bit impossible. When someone is depressed all they want to do is stay in bed and sleep. But all you need to do is begin to exercise and depression will start to make an exit from your life.

Exercise and depression can coexist by taking baby steps. No one is saying to set an unrealistic goal, like participating in a triathlon, but running several laps around the neighborhood is a start. Most importantly, do what you enjoy and make it social. Mixing exercise with talking to loved ones will make the road to recovery less bumpy.