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.

Exercise MYTH #12: If you do not exercise hard and often, it is a waste of time

The TRUTH: All exercise benefits your health.

The human body was created for movement and not a sedentary lifestyle. Every bit of exercise you can integrate into your daily life will enhance your health and wellbeing. It is a myth that you must exercise hard and often to reap any health benefits. Eat right; exercise regularly; think predominantly positive thoughts; focus on those worthy life goals; focus on leaving your mark on this earth by serving others and benefiting your fellow man and woman. That is a recipe for a healthy life.

Author: Lt. Col. Bob Weinstein, USAR-Ret.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/myths-lies-and-propaganda-about-exercise-2066565.html

Housework Is Exercise Too

Do you want to run in the opposite direction when you hear the word exercise?. The fact of the matter is, it is not necessary for you to hit the gym on a regular basis in order to get in shape.  All you really need to do is keep your house clean.

Housework is one of those hidden gems of exercise.  Do you tend to plop onto the couch and watch TV whenever you have a few moments? If you get up and move around a little bit, even if you aren't exerting yourself enough to break a sweat, you are still going to see benefits from that effort.  Keeping your house clean is an excellent way to keep your body active without having to formally go into an exercise routine.

Light jobs such as dishwashing and ironing cause you to use and move your large muscles.  Dusting makes you stretch and bend.  And vacuuming can make you break a sweat if your house is big enough and you push a little harder.  And if you move a bit of furniture, that will really give your body a workout.

So next time you need to clean, don't do it because you have to, do it because it feels great to move your body.  You might just enjoy it!

Exercise which doesn't feel like work?

Mirabai Holland is a health activist who specializes in preventive and rehabilitative exercise. Her Moving Free approach to exercise is designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn't feel like work.

The Moving Free Longevity Solution Series, Strength Level1 Exercise DVD is Specially designed for Beginners, Boomers and Seniors.

30 to 40 percent of our muscle cells are lost by age 70. Our metabolism slows down resulting in fewer calories being burned so we tend to lose strength and gain weight. This Strength Level 1 for Active Beginners Boomers and Seniors, can help reverse this process, give strength and stamina for daily living, sculpt a leaner fitter figure.