MOVEMENT AND DEPRESSION.
Yesterday I tweeted: "Depression hates a moving target. A little bit of exercise every day helps to keep the mind at bay."
Lots of good questions came in. Many people are struggling with challenging emotions right now.
Here is a deeper dive. (Thread.)
Yesterday I tweeted: "Depression hates a moving target. A little bit of exercise every day helps to keep the mind at bay."
Lots of good questions came in. Many people are struggling with challenging emotions right now.
Here is a deeper dive. (Thread.)
First off, I'm using exercise synonymously with physical activity—a regimented workout, a fast-paced walk, or vigorous gardening.
The evidence is clear that regular movement can help prevent, manage, and even treat depression. More on how this works here.outsideonline.com/2401557/exerci…
The evidence is clear that regular movement can help prevent, manage, and even treat depression. More on how this works here.outsideonline.com/2401557/exerci…
The same is true for anxiety.
Some of this effect is biological (chemicals in the brain).
Some of it is psychological (confidence).
Some of it is social (community).
Some of it is still unknown.
outsideonline.com/2324201/liftin…
Some of this effect is biological (chemicals in the brain).
Some of it is psychological (confidence).
Some of it is social (community).
Some of it is still unknown.
outsideonline.com/2324201/liftin…
It is very important to note that exercise is NOT a cure-all or a panacea. For some people it can be enough. For others it is not.
It is probably best thought of as a tool in the toolkit—which includes therapy, medication, nutrition, and sleep hygiene.
It is probably best thought of as a tool in the toolkit—which includes therapy, medication, nutrition, and sleep hygiene.
I suspect there is also a sequencing element. If you are in the throes of deep depression or anxiety and someone tells you to "just exercise more" that probably isn't going to be helpful.
Sometimes therapy and medication help most at first and then exercise helps most later on.
Sometimes therapy and medication help most at first and then exercise helps most later on.
This is a topic I care deeply about. It is very important. It effects millions. And I have firsthand experience with it.
So please keep your questions coming. And if you feel like you need help right now you can talk to someone right now: 1-800-273-8255.
outsideonline.com/2279856/anxiet…
So please keep your questions coming. And if you feel like you need help right now you can talk to someone right now: 1-800-273-8255.
outsideonline.com/2279856/anxiet…
Finally, remember that mood FOLLOWS action.
You don't need to feel good to get going. You need to get going to give yourself a chance at feeling good.
Intrusive thoughts and feelings are stubborn. This is why "think positive" usually fails. So much of this is breaking inertia.
You don't need to feel good to get going. You need to get going to give yourself a chance at feeling good.
Intrusive thoughts and feelings are stubborn. This is why "think positive" usually fails. So much of this is breaking inertia.
Right now, perhaps more than ever, do everything you can to carve out at least 20 minutes of physical activity into your day.
Even if it feels like you are forcing yourself. Even if it's just walking.
Just show up and do it regularly. See how you feel after.
Even if it feels like you are forcing yourself. Even if it's just walking.
Just show up and do it regularly. See how you feel after.
