Can Exercise Help My Depression?

Can Exercise Help My Depression?

Many experts agree that regular, aerobic exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of depression so, taking their advice, I decided to put it to the test.

It was difficult at first. Trying to drag myself out of bed while depressed was an enormous undertaking, but eventually it got easier. I started exercising 4 times a week for 45 minutes. Initially I merely walked, moving as quickly as I could to raise my heart rate, but as I became more accustomed to the routine, I started to jog. In a month I was able to run continuously for two miles, and the results were very encouraging.

My mood improved significantly and it became much easier to sleep at night. I felt healthier in both mind and body, and the outward appearance, attained as a bonus, did wonders for my self-esteem.

The most noticeable change was that, while exercising, the destructive thought patterns associated with my depression seemed to disappear. The rigors of the exercise seemed to take my mind off all my troubles, and once I reached that point I noticed the feeling would remain throughout the day.

Try it for yourself and see what you think.