Feeling down or low can be a really hard time, for those who struggle with depression it can sometimes feel like you are losing control of your body. For days or weeks at a time one can be prone to feeling hopeless, coupled with a lack of energy, low self-esteem and more. While the jury is out on the cause or cure of depression, more and more medical studies are proving that exercise is a viable way to combat the symptoms of depression.
Exercise is beneficial for everyone, it keeps our bodies feeling mobile and active, it fights off weight gain and associated illnesses, it keeps our hearts strong, and provides us with more energy throughout the day. The physical benefits are well documented.
However, for those who may struggle with depression, regular exercise is proving to be a reliable way to manage and minimise their symptoms.
Happy Brain Chemicals
- Dopamine
- Norepinephrine
- Serotonin
It has long been known that exercise releases various brain chemicals, such as; dopamine, endorphins, norepinephrine (aka noradrenaline), and serotonin. These chemicals are what is referred to as a neurotransmitter.
Neurotransmitters play a significant role in the way the brain interprets and experiences feelings of pleasure, happiness. Essentially, these neurotransmitters, or monoamines control our mood and energy levels.
The fact that exercise plays a role in the way these neurotransmitters work and their proliferation has been known for some time.
However, it is only in recent years that the effects of exercise and these neurotransmitters on a brain which struggles with depression has started by thoroughly studied.
Additionally, exercise has proven to lower the ‘stress hormone’ cortisol. As well as the presence of too much adrenaline. Lower amounts of these chemicals help the body to feel more relaxed and less on edge.
The Recommendation
First of all, there is no one cure-all. Simply because everybody and every brain is different. What is being studied, and proven to be true, over and over is the positive effect of physical exercise, both cardio and strength training, on the brain’s neurotransmitters.
Running, jogging or swift walking is known to dramatically increase dopamine almost immediately. However, that’s not to discount the benefits of strength training.
As a general recommendation, the consensus is to aim to raise your heart rate for a minimum of 30 minutes, three to five times a day.
What is important to define here is that;
- exercise does affect mood and overall happiness
- there is no miracle formula
With this information in mind, health professionals are advising depression suffers to listen to their bodies, do what works for them, but to keep up exercise. Even when it seems hard.
It’s a sentiment which is taken with a grain of salt from patients, because sometimes in periods of depression it can very very hard to stay motivated. However, keep in mind that while it might feel too hard, exercise will help.
At Green Apple Wellness, we have professional exercise physiologist who works with you to prescribe the best exercise as medicine regimes for you. Our facilities and knowledge are there to help you forge a strong habit of healthy living. The exercise(s) which are good for your body and your brain.