There is a relationship between the well-being of a person suffering from depression and sport. The effects of breaking through to take up sport are often equal to psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Unlike the latter, physical activity does not lead to troublesome side effects, such as drowsiness or weight gain.
Whether you’ve fallen victim to seasonal depression or you’re prone to depression all year round, check out our advice.
The essence of depression
As you know, depression is a group of disorders that include: a decrease in the pace of action, mood level and libido. A person who is accompanied by anxiety and sleep disorders would like to lock himself at home alone with his problems, and unfortunately, he usually does. The disease attacks the patient’s previous life with all its strength, and traumatic experiences are not necessary for its emergence.
Sport comes to the rescue, in which we can include immediate action among the advantages. Already during exercise, the body begins to produce the so-called. happiness hormones. Under this term there is serotonin that allows you to feel contentment and endorphin that rushes us with the feeling of bliss. For many hours, both chemicals remain in the body at elevated levels. Not without significance is the fact that they make it easier to sleep at night and increase self-esteem. Muscles gain strength and flexibility, and our shapely body. We notice changes in our appearance, thanks to which we gain motivation to move out of the house, oxygenate the body. We start to take care of ourselves. Finally, we meet new people. The totality of possible benefits means that physical activity is recommended especially to those who do not benefit from medication.
Just daily, short activity during the day will have a positive effect on the functioning of our body. At the beginning, we can decide on a 20-30 minute walk. It’s enough to make us want more after a while. Over time, it is recommended to exercise for 60-90 minutes every other day. Let’s choose training taking into account the condition, let’s try not to push beyond our own strength.
Team and individual sports
- Walking, jogging, as well as bicycle rides give the opportunity to be active in the fresh air, both in a group and alone, as long as we do not feel strong enough to go among people, which should change as our well-being improves. Nordic Walking, garden work or a mushroom picking trip will also be great.
- Body&mind classes will allow you to relax and calm your mind, so it’s worth signing up for Pilates, Tai Chi or yoga.
- Aerobic activities, such as swimming and aerobics, are unrivaled for our spirit.