There is seldom anybody who feels great either physically, mentally, or emotionally from sitting around lazily and being inactive all the time. Indeed, the spice of life is found within getting up and getting moving as often as possible. Those who suffer from cabin fever, the ones who are forced to stay in bed, and those poor folks who just can’t muster the inspiration to do anything— they are all most likely also dealing with some sort of depression. Well, according to new studies, this phenomenon is actually because exercise protects against depression and certain types of anxiety.
What Exactly Is Depression?
Depression may simply be an unhappy and negative state of mind, but it is still something that can be directly affected by outside stimuli. When someone has depression, he or she typically feels a sense of despondency, has difficulty maintaining concentration, and generally exhibits exhaustion, sadness, and misery. This can make exercise seem more like a chore than a hobby. Still, depression is no laughing matter—literally. Thus, a responsible person with a propensity for life will most likely be interested in ways to fight back against this common mental and emotional disorder.
How Can Exercise Elevate Mood?
Exercise protects against depression because it sets your body and mind up for success. When you perform an exercise (or a physical action of any kind), your body’s systems are set into motion. Working out and elevating your heart rate can actually elevate your mood as well. This is because your body naturally secretes a hormone known as dopamine into your system when you exercise. Even over a short period of time, regularly active people could see a drastic improvement in their mood, both in the short term and in the long term as well.
What Are the Best Exercises to Perform to Alleviate the Symptoms of Depression?
Every single person is different, and thus physical needs will differ, too. For the most part, simply getting a little exercise each day will help your mental and emotional states incredibly. The majority of fitness and health experts suggest at least 30 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day, but you will want to speak with your doctor first before you structure any workout plans. As a general rule, exercise protects against depression because of its natural ability to make a person feel as if he or she is part of the motion of the universe.
