Can exercise help beat depression? Let's talk about this!

There are days when you don't even feel like getting out of bed, right? Going to the store, doing some housework, calling a friend... it all feels like a mountain. If you feel like your body has no life, your mind has no interest, you are not alone. This is one of the biggest challenges of depression . It feels like your body's energy is completely drained. But today we are talking about a simple, yet very powerful way to get out of this situation. That is exercise.

What is this vicious cycle between depression and boredom?

Imagine, you are depressed and feel sad and have no interest in doing anything. So you stay in one place all day. When you do nothing, your body becomes more exhausted. Your energy decreases. Then your mind becomes even more sad. You feel like, "I can't do anything." It's like a vicious cycle.

Experts point out that when stress and depression increase, people use various things to get rid of the situation. Some people overeat, while others resort to other unhealthy things. Although these things provide temporary relief, they can harm the body and mind in the long run. For example, overeating can lead to weight gain, which can also increase depression.

What really happens inside the body when you start exercising?

As soon as you get up and start walking and doing a little exercise, many amazing changes happen inside your body. It's like a machine that has been sleeping suddenly waking up.

Simply put, this is what happens:

• The body wakes up: Your entire body becomes active.
• Metabolism speeds up: The body's energy production process speeds up.
• The heart and circulatory system become active: The heart rate increases slightly, and blood begins to circulate better throughout the body. This allows the brain and other organs to receive more oxygen.
• Hormonal changes: Endocrine changes occur in the brain and various hormonal systems in the body. In particular, there is an increase in the release of hormones such as "endorphins" that cause happiness and a good mood.

When all of this comes together, you immediately start to feel a new lease of life and energy.

How does your mind feel when you exercise?

Just like the changes that happen to your body, exercise has a big impact on your mind. But it depends on the type and intensity of the exercise you do. According to research, this is what happens:

Do you have to exercise hard to get big results?

Absolutely not. This is where many people make a mistake. It's unthinkable for someone who is depressed to go to the gym and work out for hours. The good news is, you don't have to do anything drastic to improve your mood.

Research has clearly shown that even a five or ten minute brisk walk can make a significant difference in your energy level and mood.

Imagine, when you feel very tired and bored, you get up and walk around the house or on the street for 5 minutes at a brisk pace. You will start to feel the difference as you walk. That melancholy feeling will gradually disappear, and a new sense of vigor will come. This is something that happens very quickly.

True, if someone is suffering from severe depression (clinical depression), the results may not be as strong as they would be for the average person. But the effect is definitely there. That small change is the first step on the journey to recovery.

How do you start exercising if you have no interest?

This is the hardest part. Because the lack of energy that comes with depression makes even the thought of exercising feel even more tiring. You think, "Oh, I can't."

Instead, think like this:

• "I'm just going to get up and walk a few steps around the room."
• "I'm going to the gate."
• "I'll walk around the yard for about two minutes."

When you start moving even a little bit, you will start to feel a difference. As I said before, changes will start to happen inside your body. When you get that little bit of energy, you will feel like going a little further. Maybe you can walk for 5 minutes. That's where it starts.

Can exercise be prescribed as a treatment for depression?

Absolutely! Exercise is a very important and essential part of a treatment plan for depression. Most of the time, when we think of depression, we think only of medication. But physical activity can do wonders for the mind.

But here's an important thing to note. Using exercise alone as a treatment for depression doesn't work for everyone. It can be problematic for a variety of reasons. Therefore, exercise is only one part of a complete treatment plan.

That said, if you think you may be depressed, the best thing to do is to see your doctor and talk about it. He or she will assess your condition and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. That plan may include medication, counseling, and, of course, a regular exercise program.

Depression and exercise, mental health, stress, increasing energy, depression treatment, benefits of walking, mood