Exercise and Depression

If you keep thinking that you should exercise, but can't seem to get motivated to do it, it may be that you are in a state of depression.

Depression can sap your energy and your will to live.

Depression can come to you for many different reasons, including grief, trauma, and general exhaustion.  Sometimes it can come for no reason that you know of.

If you think that this is happening to you, then of course you need to see a doctor or counselor.

You also need to look after yourself with kindness and compassion.

Exercise can help you to feel better, but this is not the time for harsh regimens or huge efforts.  Find a physical activity which gives you pleasure, and try to use all of your senses while you are doing it.  This will help you to balance yourself, and it will put a bit of goodness into your day.

Here are some examples of easy, pleasant exercise which engages your senses:

• Take a walk in a garden or park, on a beach, or in some other place where there is beauty and sunlight.  Make a conscious effort to breathe more deeply, feel the sun on your skin, feel the ground under your feet, feel the breeze in your hair, hear the birds, see the colours.  All of this will make your exercise good for your body and your soul.
• Swim or wade in a river, lake, ocean or pool.  Notice the sounds of the water, the feel of it on your skin, the sand or gravel beneath your feet, the birds and water creatures around you, the sun and the air. Play a little. Dam the creek with rocks, or dig a hole in the sand.
• Play with your pets.  Throw or roll a ball for your dog, or drag a bit of string around for your cat.  They will have a lot of fun, and this will make you feel better too. Talk to your pet, laugh at it's antics, stroke it's fur.  You can do this indoors or out, though outdoors is probably better if you can manage it.
• If you have a yard, go outside and hang the washing or pull a few weeds, or even just sit on the grass and soak in the sun.  Notice the bugs and flowers and sun and air while you are out there.
• Walk to a cafe and buy yourself a coffee.  Coffee is a stimulant, it will help you to feel more energetic, which will boost your mood.  Drink the coffee with appreciation, at the cafe or on your way back. (Of course, not if you are allergic to caffeine.)
• Take a drive to somewhere nice.  Just changing the scene and being in motion can help to lift your mood.  Once you get to your nice place, you will probably feel like getting out of the car, and that will be better than having sat on the couch instead.

Here is an article on the effects of exercise on depression. Interestingly, women with depression responded better to easy exercise. Article: Go for monitored exercise to keep depression at bay.