Exercise Benefits for
Overcoming Depression
Want
to sleep better, overcome depression or relieve anxiety? These are just a few
of the many priceless benefits of exercise.
Actually,
if you could put those exercise benefits into a pill, it would be a
billion-dollar drug!
And,
if you’re feeling lazy, you can even achieve the three extraordinary exercise
benefits listed below simply by taking a regular daily walk:
v
Prevent disease,
v
Improve your health,
v
And feel better than ever.
But
that's not all exercise benefits do for you. Exercise can also:
v
Raised self-esteem,
v
Build your confidence,
v
Help you to sleep better,
v
Improve your overall mood,
v
Give you much more energy,
v
Relieve anxiety or depression,
v
And improve your mental health.
Those
are pretty great results for just a stroll around the block. And that’s all it
takes to lift up your spirits and help you to feel really, really good.
Want
some proof ?
Benefits of Exercise and Mental Health
Duke
University Researchers studied a group of clinically depressed men and women
for four months. Of those who exercised, 60% were able to overcome depression
without any antidepressant drugs.
And
even though patients who used drugs had over 55% recovery, they had to deal
with all the depressing side effects of antidepressants.
Other
studies on exercise and mental health have shown that people who exercise are
much less likely to have recurring bouts of depression than those patients who
take antidepressant medications.
This
is why the Mental Health Foundation recommends all patients with depression be
offered an exercise prescription instead of drugs. Exercise is a much safer,
more pleasant and less expensive solution.
The
great thing about all of this is you don’t have to be clinically depressed to
experience the feelings of well being associated with exercise.
Exercise
and Sleep, Anxiety and Well Being
Any
physical activity causes the body to release endorphins. And these natural
painkillers can create feelings of happiness that last for hours.
Endorphins
help exercisers deal with all the big and little frustrations that make most
people feel angry, sad or anxious on a daily basis. This allows them to better
cope with the ups and downs of everyday life.
And
you don’t have to be a fanatic about exercise to reap the rewards.
Simply
walking briskly for a half-hour a day can cut your risk of death by all causes
by 50%. It also helps you stay alert, manage stress, sleep better, relieve
anxiety, overcome depression and take on life's challenges.
In
fact, it’s better not to be an exercise junkie. Excessive exercising can
undermine all the benefits for both physical and mental health.
Benefits of Exercise and Your Social Life
For
exercise that helps you sleep better, manage stress, relieve anxiety, overcome
depression or just feel better than ever, start simple.
You
can put on a comfortable pair of shoes, go for a pleasant walk and just enjoy
the scenery. And if you feel social, invite a friend to join you.
Studies
show an active social life lifts your spirits and lowers heart disease risk. So
you might say, not only is exercise with a friend good for your physical and
mental health, it's also good for your heart and soul.

