15. #14 A Better Outlook on Life
If you or someone you love has suffered from depression you might already know that doctors and psychiatrists often prescribe exercise aspart of the treatment for depression. In fact, many times exercise can reverse mild to moderate depression.
Exercise fights depression and anxiety in three key ways:
Endorphins ease depression symptoms. They induce a sense of calm and well being. They may help balance the chemicals in the brainthat can cause depression.
Reduce immune system chemicals. The stress response and chemicals released into your body during stress, anxiety, and depression are often an immune response. Exercise strengthens your immune system and may squelch the tendency to release these chemicals that can make depression symptoms worse.
Your body temperature increases. When you exercise your body temperature goes up just a bit. This is caused by the energy your bodyburns. This increase in body temperature can have a calming effect. Additionally, outdoor exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety related behaviors in children. You are able to learn healthy coping skills and manage your stress and depression.
Exercises that Help Boost Mood
Any type of exercise helps boost your mood. However, it’s a good idea to focus on exercises you enjoy. And activities like gardening, washing your car, or playing with your children or grandchildren are all mood-boosting activities.
Tip – Start adding exercise into your day in small and subtle ways. You don’t have to join a gym to exercise. Walking more, dancing, and simply moving your body is a great start.