Depression can be debilitating at times; feelings of hopelessness, extreme fatigue, and lack of motivation can negatively affect everyday life. If you’ve been struggling with depression, you may find it difficult to even get out of bed every morning. In turn, you may believe that staying inside, missing out on events you used to enjoy, and withdrawing to yourself is what’s best for you. Despite your beliefs, the opposite is true – when it comes to depression, you really need to surround yourself with people who love and support you as well as engage in activities to get you involved in life. One of the best ways to do this is through exercise.
A 2014 piece published in the interdisciplinary journal “Disability and Rehabilitation” emphasized that exercise can provide several benefits, including:
- Improved mood and reduce anxiety
- Improved blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis
- Improved body image
- Healthy coping strategy for dealing with stress
- Enhanced quality of life
- Improved independence
There are several ways that you can exercise, including going for a walk, joining a local gym, engaging in a sports team, practicing yoga or other mindfulness-based activities, and more. Previous research has shown that exercise can serve as a behavioral intervention and can be a very effective yet convenient way to boost the symptoms of your depression because you can decide when and where you exercise. If the weather is inclement, you can go to a local mall to walk around. If it’s nice outside, jogging is a wonderful way to not only get exercise but to embrace the beautiful weather as well.
If you’ve been struggling with depression, make the decision to seek treatment today. Treatment often involves medication to help you clear your mind, and psychotherapy – also known as “talk therapy” – to help you develop the tools you need to move forward with your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective therapeutic approach to helping you change older, negative thought patterns into more positive, productive ones.
Recovery is possible, and your life is worth living. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, contact Avalon Malibu today at 888-958-7511 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you.
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