For many of us who work out regularly, depression is something we never experience. Maybe an off day here and there, but nothing lasting. To others, depression is a serious and debilitating condition that needs medical attention. For others a routine of regular exercise will work wonders. Here is an article from Howtobefit.com for those who fall into that last category.
It just kind of sets in one day. You don’t really want to get out of bed. Then, food doesn’t taste as good as it usually does or maybe you feel like eating more than usual. Nothing makes you happy. You don’t really want to talk to anyone, even your friends.
Every year, 19 million American adults deal with depression, and it’s not surprising. Given how much more complex and frustrating the world gets every day, coping can be tough.
Of course, if it gets really bad, you’re going to want to talk to your doctor. Medication and psychiatric treatment may be the best options, but for little cases of the blues, a sweaty workout and a big salad may be better answers than Xanax and a shrink’s couch. In fact, even in some serious cases of clinical depression, healthy diet and regular exercise play a major role in recovery.
In a study appearing in the January 2005 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center learned that 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, three to five times a week, halved mild to moderate depression symptoms. The results rivaled other commonly used therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy and use of the antidepressant Tofranil.
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