The practice of regular exercise isn't good just to your body, it can bring benefits for a person's mental health as well, including helping to treat or prevent depression.The links between depression and exercise aren't completely clear, but running or other forms of physical exercises can definitely ease the symptoms of depression and can work as a mood boosting; Improving self-esteem.
Every time you exercise your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain.
Endorphins act as analgesics and also as sedatives. They are produced in your brain, spinal cord and many other parts of your body and are released in response to brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Regular exercise can help in many different ways, which may include;
- Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters, endorphins and endocannabinoids)
- Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
- Increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects
- It lowers blood pressure
- It helps reduce body fat and makes you look fit and healthy
- Gain confidence. Meeting exercise goals or challenges, even small ones, can boost your self-confidence. Getting in shape can also make you feel better about your appearance.
- Take your mind off worries. Exercise is a distraction that can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression.
- Get more social interaction. Exercise and physical activity may give you the chance to meet or socialise with others. Just exchanging a friendly smile or greeting as you walk around your neighbourhood can help your mood.
- Cope in a healthy way. Doing something positive to manage anxiety or depression is a healthy coping strategy. Trying to feel better by drinking alcohol, dwelling on how badly you feel, or hoping anxiety or depression will go away on its own can lead to worsening symptoms.
Depression can affect anyone. The best thing is to understand that you are not alone. Running can really give a boost in your feelings but if you feel you need to talk to someone you can find some help bellow.
Let's Run and Smile.
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