Exercise And Depression

Exercise And Depression

Science proved long ago that energy creates more energy. This is why taking a walk when you start to feel drowsy will perk you up and helps you get through the day without a nap. While this is a major benefit of exercise, there are, of course, other benefits.

Naturally, you are thinking that exercise is important for weight control, muscle tone, and even bone strength. But did you know that exercise can also aid in the treatment of depression?

When we exercise, endorphins are released in the brain. Those endorphins make us feel happy. Note that exercise is not in any way a cure for depression -- the depression still needs to be treated by a doctor, and possibly with the help of a therapist, but exercise can actually lessen, and in some cases eliminate the symptoms associated with depression.

For relief of depression symptoms, doctors recommend regular exercise for approximately 30 minutes, three to five times a week. You don't have to go to the gym for a complete workout. Again, just taking a 30-minute walk will do wonders. The important thing is to get the blood flowing through your body.

Naturally, when one is depressed, they really don't feel like exercising, and 30 minutes of exercise may be asking a bit much -- at first. However, even 10 minutes of exercise will improve your mood, although you won't feel any long-term effects from such a small amount of exercise.

Despite this, if you can't muster 30 minutes of exercise right out of the gate, start with smaller amounts of exercise time and slowly work your way up to the full 30 minutes.

Not only will exercise improve depression symptoms by releasing endorphins, it will also help you to sleep better at night, which also helps with the treatment of depression.