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EXERCISE RELIEVES STRESS & DEPRESSION BY PATRICIA

Scientific studies agree that exercising is good for more than just your muscles and bones – it is great for your mental wellbeing. Whether you enjoy yoga, cardiovascular activities like running and cycling, weight training – whatever you enjoy doing that is physical, keep doing it! Exercise releases endorphins and serotonin that stabilize your mood and gives you a feel of well-being, accomplishment and even a runner’s high. I know from my personal experience, my long-time mild depression completely went away once I made exercise an integral part of my weekly routine. In fact, I start to feel antsy and on-edge when work and social obligations keep me from a good workout for too many consecutive days. (Maybe I am addicted to it but I don’t mind having that kind of an addiction.) My family has told me to go work out on occasions when they can tell that life’s stressors are starting to take their toll and I am not my usual happy self. 

As much as I enjoy working out there are times when I feel tired, stressed, overwhelmed, lazy and unmotivated to get started on a workout but deep down I know that if I get started I will feel better, much better by the time that I am done. I tell my clients that even if you think that you can not make it through a workout, that you are too tired and just need rest, just try for five minutes and see if you don’t start to feel better. Need help? Call us to motivate you to work out and see if you feel better when you are done too.

 

6 Responses to “EXERCISE RELIEVES STRESS & DEPRESSION BY PATRICIA

  • This is a very important topic because a lot of people are living very stressful lives nowadays. It is very sad to see how many are looking at medication as a solution, instead of making lifestyle adjustments. It is in my nature to be anxious person. I used to worry about everything and my anxiety took over. I have to say that once I started to meditate and to consistently exercise, my anxiety has pretty much gone away. In your opinion, do some types of exercise help with anxiety and stress more than other? Thank you for the information!!!

    • Hi Juan, thank you for your comment. I think that any exercise that you will consistently do (since you enjoy it) is great. Just don’t forget to remind yourself why you are doing it so that you won’t stop. Keep going!

  • So I’ll go ahead and broach a sensitive subject here for myself. My girlfriend has definitely been suffering from some mild forms of depression. Of course she can’t really pinpoint the problem and we’ve definitely tried to dissect her life and figure out the source of her depression. I think I’ve come to the conclusion that it really won’t do much to try and do that but instead search for ways to combat it. If what you’re saying here is true, it would actually relieve her of some of the depressive stress she’s had in her life. This is what working out and exercising will do?

    • Patricia Sullivan
      7 years ago

      Caleb, I am very sorry to hear about your girlfriend’s suffering, which surely is causing you to suffer as well. I am not a doctor and would advise that she seek professional opinions and assistance. I do know that exercise releases endorphins that make us feel good and at the very least, she should try working out and see if it helps her. I don’t think it could make things any worse, only better to workout in an enjoyable way, physically moving the body is what we are meant to do anyway. I know from my personal experience that exercise and proper diet worked better than prescribed medications that I was on in the past. Please keep in touch and let me know if it helps!

  • Hello, thank you for this article, it makes a lot of sense. I have depression, I have had it for years. I am on meds for it now, but when I was much younger I didn’t need them. I exercised all the time in my younger years, running, jogging, weights, I did a lot, and it did indeed help with depression and self esteem. I am much older now, out of shape, and have back issues. The meds help now, but I know what you say in your article is very true. I guess it’s never too late to start again, and your post gives me the willingness to start again, slowly. Great post, thank you!

    • Patricia Sullivan
      7 years ago

      Hello Eric, thank you for sharing your story! You are right, it is never too late to start again! Please do start right away. Of course I have to say that you should consult your doctor before starting any exercise program. That being said, I have never heard of someone not being allowed to walk and walking, swimming, cycling with a recumbent bike are all easier on the body for someone just starting back. Do it today. Take charge of your health! Keep us posting on your progress! We would love to help motivate you! Best wishes to you! Patricia

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