Exercise and Depression
by: Kyle Kirshenbaum
Exercise and Depression
Exercising is most commonly known to help the physical body grow and to help one feel better physically over all. The average man doesn’t know that exercise has a psychological benefit as well. By exercising endorphins are released from the body that reacts with the receptors in one’s brain. These endorphins act like analgesics that reduce the perception of pain. This is also comparable to the effects of artificial sedatives prescribed to patients. Endorphins are manufactured in the brain, spinal cord, and many other body parts are released in response to brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The neuron receptors in the brain react to endorphins that binding to it in the same what pain medications would bind to it. Many athletes refer to this reaction as “runner’s high” which is caused through the large amount of exercise they undertake. With this natural high, those who exercise feel substantially better, reducing both physical pain and psychological stress. Exercise is also known to have other benefits such as:
- Strengthening the heart
- Increases energy levels.
- Lowering blood pressure.
- Improving muscle tone and strength.
- Strengthens and builds bones.
- Helps reduce body fat.
- Makes you look fit and healthy.
Through Research, it is found that exercise helps patients cope with clinical depression. Specific exercises that help those with depression include:
- Biking
- Dancing
- Gardening
- Golf (walking instead of using the cart)
- Housework, especially sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming
- Jogging at a moderate pace
- Low-impact aerobics
- Playing tennis
- Swimming
- Walking
- Yard work, especially mowing or raking
- Yoga
Group Exercise:
Due to strong social support that is necessary to cope with clinical depression, it is important that these patients join a group exercise class. Or one can exercise with a close friend or your partner. In doing so, you will benefit from the physical activity and emotional comfort, knowing that others are supportive of you.