Exercise Fights Depression
If you wake up tomorrow morning feeling blue, do not despair! Make time to exercise, and you can shake those blues in as little as thirty minutes, according to research results noted in the December 2005 issue of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. The article, "Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood and Well-being in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder," (J.B. Bartholomew, D. Morrison, J.T. Ciccolo), states that a 'single 30 minute treadmill workout done at moderate intensity eased depression and increased energy levels.' Subjects who were studied reported relief from depressive symptoms. They noticed that feelings such as anger, sadness, confusion, despair, and fatigue were replaced by a sense of well-being after 30 minutes of physical activity. In the past, research indicated that regular exercise over the long term had the power to improve well-being and to combat depression. Introducing regular aerobic exercise and weight training into one's lifestyle has been found to dramatically alleviate stress and improve one's quality of life. More recently, it has been noted that a mere 30 minutes of brisk exercise is enough to raise endorphin levels to temporarily lift one's mood. (You've probably heard of 'runner's high'…a temporary euphoric feeling that a runner gets right after finishing a workout.) If you exercise on a regular basis, the potential is there to have complete control over any mild depression you may be experiencing. Note: According to an article written by Kevin Helliker in a May, 2005 edition of the Wall Street Journal, "studies show that there is a round-the-clock relief that sets in several weeks after the establishment of a regular exercise routine." Should you be plagued with severe depression, including suicidal thoughts, you should consult your medical professional immediately about a treatment that is right for you. Cyndi
Schoenhals |
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