Exercise and Depression
August 12th, 2008The weather is cooler and I’m back running after a week off. I just couldn’t run in 100+ degree & high humidity weather. I always see someone out running in that kind of extreme weather, sometimes at the worst time of day - 3 p.m. when it’s hottest. I tend to think they’re trying to prove something to themselves rather than exercising smart.
Most of the people that were in my TLC program for depression did not like the exercise part of the program. They just weren’t big into running or other sports and found aerobic activity to be trying. I imagine that they aren’t alone and that many of you also feel that way.
Exercise is one of the most important aspects of the TLC program and it’s vital that you make it a part of your life. The following links are all related to how exercise fights depression. It may not be as easy to do as popping an anti-depression pill but it’s as effective (or more) and without the side effects of medication.
Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms
Exercise and Depression, Get Up and Get Moving!
Exercise and Depression | The Art of Manliness
Whether you run, walk, bike, skate, etc. you probably want to know how far you go. Fortunately there’s a bunch of websites that will do just that.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:05 am
It’s easy to stop exercising when you pass 40 and your body starts creaking, but that is the most important time to continue. Take it from one who fell off the exercise wagon and is making a valiant attempt to jump back aboard–you don’t ever want to stop exercising–even if it’s just thirty minutes on a bike a day– just do it!
Wendy Aron, author of Hide & Seek: How I Laughed at Depression, Conquered My Fears and Found Happiness.
http://www.wendyaron.com
August 12th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Yes, don’t ever stop exercising! It takes a while to make it a part of your life - a habit you do like brushing your teeth. Unfortunately it’s much easier to stop, especially if you’re fighting depression and the creakiness of age.
Whatever it is, just do something that gets your heart rate up for 40 minutes at least 3 X a week - or more!
August 12th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Also there are also little things you can do that don’t have to be a huge effort, but add up after a while. You can walk more by parking further away from stores and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Sometimes I just like to walk briskly up and down the rows in a department store. There is also dancing. It can be fun going out and doing it or staying at home in your living room and shaking it where no one can see you. I enjoy gardening and there is nothing like a good round of leaf raking in the fall for your arms. Doing housework and laundry and carrying groceries from the car are all good for you. I think if people just did more things themselves, they would get more exercise.
August 12th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Or find a way that forces you to exercise. I live in an area that has street cleaning every weekday, and people always dash out and move their cars from one side of the street to the other until the street sweeper truck has gone past. I used to do the same thing (sometimes I’d forget and end up with a parking ticket). But about a year ago (right when I started the TLC program), I decided to move my car a half mile away to the nearby park and then walk back home. I do that in the morning, plus run a few errands along the way home - ATM, groceries, library, post office. Same thing in reverse in the afternoon. So I get my exercise twice a day at least 5 days a week. Bonus: No more parking tickets = stress relief!
August 12th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Faith and Lisa - those are excellent. I really like the idea of doing everyday things to get more exercise. That’s truly making it a habit, a part of our everyday life.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
You folks are an inspiration. I find the day I don’t exercise is the day I feel MOST blue. Just do it is just right :). Especially if we can choose a fun activity.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:55 am
funhappiness,
Absolutely - If you find something you enjoy you’re much more likely to just do it.
August 13th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Lisa and Faith are so right!
There are ways to make yourself exercise even without thinking about it.
I do things like making sure I have to go upstairs to get the ironing basket down; being the one who gets up to make the coffee during TV breaks; being the person who gets up to answer the phone or see who is at the door… just little things like that.
Oh yes, and I like exercise anyway. Not running though - but I love aerobics and dancing. It’s all about finding something you like to do, otherwise it just won’t work.
Oh yes, and another nice one Lisa. I’m all for walking briskly around department stores… as long as I can stop and try on a few clothes on the way of course