Everyone goes through rough days once in a while, whether it’s a bad day at work, a family emergency or an existential crisis. For some, this is a brief feeling, while for others, it can spiral into depression. When we are at the lowest point of our life, we can sometimes cling to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as excessive alcohol consumption, drug use or overeating. While these habits give us a temporary sense of escape from reality, they actually do more harm than good in the long run. But how often do we turn to healthier alternatives, like exercise? Along with transforming our body and making us healthier, exercise can also do wonders for your mental health. Learn more about how exercise can ease depression in this article.
The relation between exercise and depression
Some evidence suggests that exercise might be a moderately effective treatment for mild to moderate adult depression. Exercise should, therefore, be considered an important lifestyle modification that is used in conjunction with other treatments for depression.
The benefits that can be obtained from exercise depend on the amount of exercise that is undertaken. Most studies showing that exercise was helpful used aerobic exercise, such as running or walking, for at least 30 minutes, three times a week, for at least eight weeks.
Tips to help you get started
It is hard to start an exercise routine during depression, but it is brave and a much needed step towards recovery. Here are some tips that can get you started:
- Start small
Begin with just a few minutes of activity each day. It could be anything-a short walk or a few stretches. If you keep the amount small, the thought of just getting started may not seem as big.
- Set achievable goals
Set realistic goals that one can realistically achieve. Instead of wanting to exercise for an hour straight, for instance, set a daily goal of moving for 10 minutes in any manner that gets one moving.
- Choose activities that are enjoyable
Find activities that you enjoy doing. These can be dance, swimming, biking or any form of sport. This will increase your odds of sticking to the daily routine.
- Seek support
Exercise with a partner or join an exercise class. Exercising with someone else can be a motivation for you, plus it makes the exercise period a much more enjoyable time. It's okay if this goes slowly. Focus on tiny victories, and remember any amount of movement builds on improving your mental and physical health.
The RightLife app can support you on your journey to overcome depression and also achieve a healthier lifestyle through its MoveRight program. Here’s how.
How MoveRight can help with depression
Through a diverse range of exercises, RightLife’s MoveRight program helps manage depression. By offering live classes, yoga, and breathing techniques, the MoveRight program provides a comprehensive approach in battling depression.
- Live Classes
Live classes on the MoveRight program introduce various exercises right from cardio to meditation, that suit everyone’s taste and ability. Such live classes promote a sense of togetherness which can help reduce feelings of loneliness - an emotion that is usually accompanied during depression. Interacting in real time with fitness trainers and other RightLife members can inspire consistency and therefore make it easier and more comfortable to create a regular habit of exercising.
- Yoga
Yoga is a central part of the MoveRight program, and there are considerable benefits from yoga in easing depression. Yoga combines physical postures with mindfulness practices that help in calming the mind and decreasing stress. The gentle flowing movements in yoga can be especially helpful to anyone suffering from depression since these induce relaxation and decrease muscle tension. Yoga also encourages the release of endorphins, considered natural mood enhancers.
- Breathing techniques
Controlled breathing, as in the MoveRight program, is yet another strong tool in the fight against depression. Deep breathing and other controlled breathing practices help control the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and create an overall feeling of calm. These techniques often complement the practice of yoga or can be practiced on their own to allow a person to cope with stress more effectively.
If you exercise regularly but depression or anxiety symptoms still affect your daily living, see your healthcare professional or mental health professional. Exercise and physical activity are great ways to ease symptoms of depression or anxiety, but they don't replace therapy or medicines. You should begin to feel better a few weeks after you begin exercising. But this is a long-term treatment, not a one time fix
RightLife provides the tools you need to manage depressive symptoms naturally. By promoting a healthy lifestyle, building resilience, and fostering a supportive community. With these added to your daily routine, you're taking giant strides toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join RightLife today and start your journey!
