Exercising in a Weak Economy

Exercise can’t turn the economy around.  It can’t guarantee that you’ll have a job tomorrow.  Nevertheless, exercise CAN help to keep you feeling positive and hopeful!

Psychological Benefits of Exercise

Negative life situations, such as the loss of a job, can lead to low self-esteem, stress, and depression.  Once you’ve reached such psychological lows, it can be difficult to pull yourself back up without some help. 

Research has shown that people who exercise regularly are less likely to become clinically depressed…even when things aren’t going so well in their lives.  Exercise not only leads to physical fitness, it can also improve mental health. 

Individuals who have experienced mild to moderate bouts of depression have benefited from beginning exercise programs.  Self-esteem has been improved as a result of regular exercise.  Stress may be greatly reduced or eliminated through exercise. 

It appears that exercise is a healthier, more natural way to fight stress and depression.  Nevertheless, exercise as a form of treatment for psychological problems is often overlooked.   

Why Exercise Produces Psychological Benefits

Exercise stimulates your body to release endorphins.  Endorphins are chemicals that interact with receptors in your brain to create an effect somewhat like a sedative.  They reduce your perception of pain and leave you with an overall feeling of well-being.

Endorphins can affect the body much like morphine.  Unlike morphine, however, endorphins are not addictive.  Ironically, many athletes say they do become addicted to exercise and the positive feelings that they derive from being active. 

It isn’t unusual for a runner to develop a euphoric feeling during a run, for example.  This feeling of euphoria has been termed as a “runner’s high.”  The runner’s high makes the athlete feel energized and happy.  As a result, the runner feels compelled to run frequently, craving that euphoric feeling.

What Kind of Exercise Helps Alleviate Stress and Depression?

Pretty much any kind of exercise, done long enough and frequently enough, can produce feelings of well-being.  You don’t have to be a runner to experience a runner’s high.

Choose an exercise that you enjoy and are physically capable of performing.  You may choose more than one kind of exercise to keep variety in your workouts. 

Among the many forms of exercise from which you may choose are:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Bicycling
• Jogging
• Jazzercise
• Dancing
• Kick boxing
• Pilates
• Playing sports (i.e. baseball, basketball, tennis, golf)
• Skiing
• Skating
• Uphill hiking

Facing Hard Economic Times

As the old saying goes, “when times get tough, the tough get going.”  Get tough through exercise.  Fight off those feelings of hopelessness and despair!  Don’t let today’s economy take you down and rob you of your joy and self-esteem!

The important thing is to engage in some sort of physical activity each day.  Set aside a time of day that is convenient for you and be diligent about getting some exercise.  Whatever you do, don’t sit around all day, moping and feeling sorry for yourself.

You CAN get through these difficult times!  You CAN hold onto your positive self-image and happiness, and you can most likely do it without resorting to drugs!  Get out there and exercise!  What have you got to lose?

Note: Before beginning any diet or exercise program, consult your physician.

Written by Cyndi Waters