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.)
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…
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 probably best thought of as a tool in the toolkit—which includes therapy, medication, nutrition, and sleep hygiene.
Sometimes therapy and medication help most at first and then exercise helps most later on.
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…
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.
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.