Physical exercise has long been touted as a way to raise self-esteem. But more recently, exercise has been a regular course of therapy for doctors and therapists dealing with a growing number of patients battling depression. Exercise releases endorphins, triggering a feeling of euphoria in those who run and workout on a regular basis. Interestingly enough, the benefits don't end with depression treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, links have also been found between depression and those suffering from anxiety.
Step 1
Set aside some time in the day. Combating depression often requires as much as 30 minutes of your time, 3 to 5 times a day. That may seem like a lot, but the positive feeling that exercise gives you, not to mention the improvements made in self-image and physical health, more than justify the time spent.
Step 2
Get your physican's sign-off on an exercise regimen. The fact is what's good for some is not necessarily good for all. You'll want to get very specific as to what your exercise plans are. It's also a good idea to draw on the expertise and experience that your treatment provider or physician may have had with depression and exercise in other patient.
Step 3
Figure out what you like. If you suffer from depression, chances are you're not going to be that excited about the idea of exercising in the first place. With that in mind, it makes sense to choose an exercise routine or activity that you can be excited about. It's also vital to your success that you plan out when and where you are going to do the activity. Planning it out helps put off procrastination and excuse-making.
Step 4
Put forth a reasonable exercise strategy. It's going to work against you if you overdo it right from the start. For one thing, you could hurt yourself. You most certainly will be too sore to exercise the next day, and possibly even the day after. Plus, overdoing right away could make the exercise seem like a burden that you don't look forward to.
Tips and Warnings
- Always consult a physician or therapist before starting in on an exercise program. Exercise should be used in conjunction with therapy and not as a sole source of depression treatment.
