Exercise and Depression
Can Exercise Help You?

This page will discuss the benefits of exercise and depression. If you are suffering with a depressive disorder, then exercise is one great way to fight the battle and win! I know, I know, I know! It sounds too good to be true but read on!

There have been literally hundreds of studies done that have proven that exercise can help alleviate depression symptoms. In fact, there was a study done by the Duke University Medical Center that concluded that physical workouts have a longer term benefit to treating depressive disorders than medications! That is very powerful!

As a result of this study, it is recommended that someone with the disorder should workout at least 3 times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes each time. Now, with that said, it needs to be a good workout - one that increases your heart rate to 75% of your maximum heart rate.

By exercising you will also help to minimize the physical symptoms of depression as well. So, by exercising you will feel better both emotionally and physically.

Let's face it, even though some of us want to avoid exercise like the plague, it is a life saving and life enhancing activity that is critical for our mental, emotional, physical an even spiritual well being.  There are so many studies as to how exercise improves heart health, reduces stress and risk of diabetes, stroke and other fatal diseases and boosts your mood. 

Also, research has recently determined the exercise has a huge positive affect on your brain health!  It improves your memory, logic and reasoning abilities. It improves your overall cognitive functionin no matter what age you are. 

So make cardio a part of your regular schedule. Do the type of workout that you will enjoy so you are more likely to stick with it. Types of exercise can include walking, jogging, biking, hiking, weight lifting, aerobics classes, etc.  The goal is to pick something that you enjoy that you'll still to so that you are more likely to do it everyday. 

Now in order to completely beat this thing you need to consider additional options such as herbal remedies for depression, natural remedies for depression as well as other treatments for depression that do not include drugs. Nonetheless, exercise is a great compliment to any treatment plan! And, you will be happier and healthier because of it!