Mental benefits of exercise are too powerful to ignore
Sacramento, Calif. – Even as a youngster, the benefits of exercise-especially the psychological ones-were unmistakable to me. Chemicals secreted by the brain contribute to what endurance exercise enthusiasts call a “runner’s high.” While the physical benefits of exercise are enormous, it’s the mental clarity, vitality, and improved quality of life that keep people motivated to exercise day after day.
The value of consistent, vigorous exercise for people who suffer from depression is indisputable. At least 100 clinical studies have examined the use of regular exercise in treating depression.
These studies have concluded that exercise can be a powerful antidepressant-at least as effective as other treatments, including medication and psychotherapy-without the side effects and financial costs.
“It is better to avoid using a drug if possible because it can interfere with brain biochemistry, and our knowledge of how drugs affect the brain is in its infancy,” says Dr. Robert Lefever. “It’s really like prescribing heroin for a toothache. It gets rid of the symptom but doesn’t address the root of the problem.”
I have always maintained that it is not possible for a person to reach their fullest potential without vigorous exercise. Our bodies have a genetic blueprint that requires large amounts of physical activity to be optimally healthy.
In contemporary America, however, our genes and our lifestyle are on a collision course. This sedentary way of life is largely responsible for an epidemic of inactivity-related diseases, including depression.
Exercise is not just another strategy for managing depression-it is essential for optimal human functioning.
Psychological and Emotional Benefits of Exercise for Depression:
- Reduction of stress, muscle tension, and cortisol (the adrenal stress hormone)
- Improved body composition: decreased fat, increased muscle mass, and better-fitting clothes-leading to improved self-image
- Increased confidence and a sense of accomplishment
- Boosted energy and vitality
- More opportunities for social interaction (e.g., walking in the neighborhood or attending a class)
- Release of natural “feel-good” hormones
- No drug-related side effects or financial costs for treatment
- Reduction in symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, anger, hopelessness, and self-doubt
- Improved sleep
Tips for Starting an Exercise Routine if You Struggle with Depression or Anxiety:
- Choose a practical activity (e.g., walking in your neighborhood rather than driving across town for an aerobics class).
- Follow the rule: not too far, not too fast, not too soon.
- View exercise as a stress reliever-not just another task on your to-do list.
- Address your personal reasons for not exercising.
- Prepare for setbacks and obstacles.
Explore additional topics from Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center with Dr. Godby, ND, MA and his team at Natural Wellness.
As a naturopathic doctor for the last 20 years, I have witnessed the power of a preventative lifestyle and naturopathic medicine to transform the health and lives of thousands of patients.
Sacramento Naturopathic
2530 J Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 446-2591
sac-nd.com/dr-dennis-godby-nd-ma
