Fight the Monster

This is one of those posts that comes with a bunch of disclaimers.  I am not a doctor or a therapist or a psychiatrist or a psychologist.  Anyone suffering from depression should consult a real professional.  Taking medication for depression can be a lifesaving decision. 

Another important note:  I’m here for you.

 

Now, on to the actual post.  Which is about fitness and depression.

 

Depression comes in many forms and it can be persistent, sneaky, and frustrating.  Fitness activities are not a substitute for medical or therapeutic help, but they can be a helpful addition.  Here are some things to try to lift our spirits:

 

1.     Cardio.  This is a proven strategy for improving mood.  We don’t even have to do a ton of it, or work very hard, for it to have an effect.  Dragging ourselves out for a fifteen minute walk can make a big difference.

2.     Outside.  Speaking of that walk, exposure to daylight and fresh air and nature helps us feel better.  Forest bathing is a thing, but if all we can manage is a visit to the tree on the corner, that is useful, too.

3.     Hydration.  Drinking more water is almost never a bad thing.  Water makes all our body processes work better, including the ones in our brains.  Having enough water will increase the likelihood that we will feel better.

4.     Breath.  Doing a mind-body kind of exercise, like Pilates of yoga, can reconnect us with our breath, which can help soothe us or energize us, depending on how we use the breath.  (To soothe, make the exhale longer than the inhale; to balance, make them the same length; to energize, make the inhale longer than the exhale.)

5.     Food.  No, I’m not suggesting we dive face-first into the cake.  Sometimes when we are depressed, we do want to eat everything in sight, so it’s a good idea to make sure that most of what’s in sight is good for us.  Other times, we don’t feel like eating at all, so it is good to have some tasty, healthful choices available.

6.     Rest.  It is okay to rest sometimes.  Depression can mess with our ability to get good sleep, so we may need to be taking care of our bodies by taking it easy.

7.     Action.  One of the wonderful things about fitness activities is that we can check them off our lists without too much effort.  Accomplishing anything, no matter how small, can help us battle the depression-voice that says we can’t do anything.  Plus, if we choose strength training, we can know we are getting stronger while doing it.

 

I could make this list longer, but it’s already pretty long.  Anyone who wants more should hit me up!  Be well.