Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a super prevalent disorder in most cultures in the world. In fact, the prevalence ranges between 6% and 18% across various countries. Moreover, according to an in-depth research, one in every 10 adults in the U.S. struggles with depression.
Depression is also the leading cause of global burden. Typically, people use pharmacological and psychological interventions to combat this mental health issues. While both are effective, not all people respond to these treatments for treating depression.
As a result, people are leaning towards newer, more advanced, and much more effective ways of combating depression. Multiple researches show that exercise is an incredible treatment.
In fact, an insightful research shows that, in some cases, exercising works as well as antidepressants. At the same time, another in-depth research shows that higher physical activity levels and exercise can have effective impacts on incident research. Here we discuss in-depth the role of exercise in combating depression:
The Effects of Exercise Training
Exercising kick starts a biological cascade of events that help protect you against heart disease, diabetes, lowering blood pressure, and so on. In fact, high-intensity exercise releases the body’s feel-good chemicals, resulting in the runner’s high.
Several studies reveal that exercise is moderately helpful treatment for moderate and mild depression in adults. Exercise is, therefore, considered an essential lifestyle change and should be added as part of treatment for depression.
How Does Exercise Help Fight Depression?
Here’s how regular exercise can help relieve the symptoms of depression:
Releases Feel-Good Endorphins
When you exercise, your body releases natural cannabis-like bran chemicals, i.e., endogenous cannabinoids and several other natural brain chemicals. These can help enhance your sense of well-being and happiness.
Help You Relax
With the help of exercise, you can take your mind off of your day-to-day worries and break the cycle of negative thoughts that encourages your anxiety and depression.
Regular exercise is also known to have many psychological and emotional effects that you can benefit from.
Gain Confidence
Meeting your exercise goals, regardless of whether they’re small or big, can help boost your self-confidence.
At the same time, getting in shape can make you feel better about your appearance.
Get More Social Interaction
Exercising may offer you the chance to meet and socialize with other people. Simply greeting someone or exchanging a friendly smile while you exercise or walk around your neighborhood can lighten up your mood.
Cope in a Healthier Way
Doing something positive to treat your depression serves as a healthy coping strategy. Dwelling on how you feel, trying to drink your feelings away or hoping depression fades away on its can worsen your symptoms.
Help Improve the Quality of Your Sleep
In-depth research reveals that exercise is known to decrease sleep complaints and insomnia. A better sleep cycle can help improve the overall quality of your life.
To Sum it Up
A great idea is to increase activity levels slowly to boost motivation and improve your self-confidence. Consider starting off with simple activities like gardening, small households tasks or shopping.
Depression is a hard cycle to break; however, moving a little bit can help.
Sources
https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxiety/exercise-stress-and-anxiety
https://www.physio-pedia.com/The_Role_of_Exercise_in_Preventing_and_Treating_Depression
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/depression-and-exercise
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-is-an-all-natural-treatment-to-fight-depression
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495
