Feeling Depressed: Jog 2 Laps and Call Me in the Morning
I recently read an article published on the Psychology Today website discussing how exercise can possibly protect the brain from depressive symptoms: Bergland, Christopher, “Can Exercise Protect Your Brain from Depression”? The Athlete’s Way, October 10, 2014. http://psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201410/can-exercise-protect-your-brain-depression
The article quoted several studies illustrating how exercise can prevent a substance called “Kynurenine” from crossing the “blood-brain barrier.” The article stated that exercise best prevents “stress-induced” depression. I found the article interesting and it seems to support my personal experience after I finish exercising. I often find after I finish a 40-60 minute low intensity jog, I experience a better mood. I often feel more energetic and life does not seem as stressful. I am not as committed to my yoga practice as I have been in the past; however, I had a similar experience after finishing a strong yoga routine. Exercise always seems to lift my mood.
I do believe there are individuals who struggle with more debilitating depressions that are more complex than simply being “stress-induced.” I often refer client’s to their primary care doctors or psychiatrists to complete a consultation to see if medications are appropriate to treat their depressive symptoms. However, I cannot see the harm in adding some physical exercise to one’s daily routine to help boost one’s mood. In the article cited above, scientists report how they have found connections with the way exercise can help protect the brain from being negatively impacted by stress.
The modern world bustles with opportunities to experience stress. It seems only logical that we build into our lives ways to manage stress. To ground this into an illustration, it’s like having a balloon constantly filling with air. If we do nothing to manage the flow of air or have a way to release the air from the balloon…Kabooooom! In a similar way, we constantly have stress flowing into our lives, bodies and minds. It only makes sense to have a release valve or some way to rid our bodies, minds and lives of our daily intake of stress or we may have our own physical or mental “Kabooom!”
I encourage you to read the article above and learn more about the research on the way exercise impacts depression and the brain. In the meantime, why not add some low intensity cardio or other stress management strategies to your daily routine. Since I’m not a medical professional, I will add the disclaimer: please consult your medical doctor before starting any physical exercise program.
richardkpayne 