Exercise and depression are often very much related.  Depression can be a debilitating condition that requires the attention of a medical professional. Nevertheless, there are varying degrees of depression, most often people construe feeling sad, down or despondent with actual depression. While the focus of this article is how exercise can help with depression, it is strongly advised that physical activity be only one aspect of a depression treatment.

If you have mild depression or are simply feeling blue, tired, sad or fatigued, regular physical exercise can be a great benefit. One such benefit is that physical activity brings with it feelings of improved self esteem. It may sound superficial but people who exercise generally feel better about themselves and have a better self image compared to people who refrain from routine exercise. A positive self image is an important outlook to reinforce and promotes feelings of contentment, satisfaction and happiness. Those who are regularly down in the dumps and depressed can certainly appreciate having a better sense of self worth and self esteem.

On a more technical level, exercise can benefit people with depression through the release of endorphins. This compound is released by the body during periods of physical activity to act as an analgesic, a pain killer that lets the body perform without being slowed down by the physical impact running, jogging or swimming has on the muscles. However, the release of endorphins has several side benefits beyond allowing you to exercise.

Endorphins provide a feeling of euphoria that some equate to as a mild dose of morphine. This means a personal exercising experiences a high of sorts. Further benefits of this somewhat inebriated state are a more positive outlook on life and a happy sensation.

Furthermore, since endorphins are analgesics, routine exercise can diminish the impact of aches, sores and other painful conditions on the individual. This can be beneficial to people who suffer from depression due to a physical ailment and are either dependent on medication or suffer from a feeling of being under constant siege or discomfort from a lingering injury causing pain.

Beyond the release of endorphins and a better self image, exercise has been found to treat depression by reducing stress, limiting anxiety and improving sleep.

How exercise can play a positive role in depression treatment:

• Improved self esteem
• Release of endorphins
• Diminished impact of painful conditions that may lead to depression
• A reduction in stress levels
• Anxiety is kept at controllable levels
• Sleep improves as a person continues an exercise plan
• Working out in groups or with a friend adds social benefits

Treating depression with exercise, despite the known health benefits, is usually not recommended very often by medical professionals. While puzzling, do not let that stop you from engaging in routine physical activity. If you are unsure of where to start, try a light jog around the block, a bike ride or do a few laps in a swimming pool. Not all physical activity needs to be strenuous. Start small and work from there. Benefits can be gleaned from moderate physical activity but the key is to be consistent. Working out multiple times a week for a short span of time has a greater impact on the mind and body than working out once a week for a longer stretch.

For support and advice, join a class or group that engages in a sport or exercise program. Not only can the communal aspect of this decision benefit you by having people to talk to who share a common interest, but the social support network can help you push harder and to help overcome some of your depression symptoms.  It is important to note again that while exercise and depression go hand in hand, if you do suffer from or think you suffer from depression make sure that you receive professional help.

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