A Healthy Mind

Health

Fighting Depression with Exercise

It may seem working out enough to get an endorphin high would be the best way to use exercise when depressed, but this is not necessarily true. Depression occurs for many reasons. It can be an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, or it can be due to a particular situation. When it comes to fighting depression with exercise, the cause does not always matter. The important point to remember is to get moving.

One of the ways people report feeling when they are depressed is being exhausted all the time. They seem to have little or no energy to handle everyday life. Marshalling enough energy to deal with a crisis feels beyond their grasp. This is the reason exercise can be an important tool in their arsenal. It can help them find the energy they need to get through an ordinary day or a difficult situation.

Exercise affects the body in many ways. It increases cardiovascular activity, and it can tone and strengthen muscles. A person exercising on a regular basis may feel a bit tired immediately after their workout, but their energy levels will return soon. An overall feeling of having more energy is generally the result of working out on a regular basis. This is the formula needed to help get out of depression. Restoring energy levels alone can make it easier to cope with modern life.

There are deep depressions caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, and it could be a good idea to consult a medical professional. That does not exclude the value of regular exercise, and keeping fit can become a positive focus to help alleviate the symptoms of depression. Getting active may be difficult at first for a depressed person, but doing the work could make it easier in the long run for both mental and physical fitness.