Along with the tremendous increase in the population of depression sufferers comes the different treatment programs that are being devised and created by many mental health agencies and organizations.
The common treatment methods for depression include taking antidepressant medications and regularly visiting therapists.
But what most people are not aware of is the fact that exercise can also provide sufferers instant relief from depression.
Here's how you can better understand the relationship that exists between exercise and depression.
Apart from the many health advantages that exercise brings, it can also fight off bouts of anxiety and depression.
Exercise distracts a sufferer from negative thoughts and worries.
It also helps burn up adrenaline and other stress chemicals, promoting a more relaxed mind.
Studies have also proven that exercise improves sleep, and boosts self-esteem.
When you do regular exercises, your body tend to release chemicals known as endorphins, which act as analgesics and sedatives.
Once released, these chemicals interact with the brain receptors, which then reduce your perception of pain and worries, giving you a more positive feeling and outlook.
Another neurotransmitter or brain chemical that has been linked to depression is the serotonin, which is responsible for various body functions such as mood and appetite, as well as sleeping cycles.
With regular exercises, the level of this chemical in the brain is altered, leading to an improved state of mind, mood and feelings.
To fight off the depression through exercise, there is really no need for you to try out high-intensity exercises or sign up for a membership in a fitness gym.
You can just do any fun activities that you would usually do on normal days, such as walking, biking, swimming, and even doing household chores like vacuuming or sweeping the floor.
But if you plan to do intense exercises, such as weightlifting and jogging, it is important to seek advice from health professionals before doing such physical activities especially if you have pre-existing health conditions like diabetes and heart diseases.
And although optional, it will even be more beneficial if you join group exercises where you can get generous support and help from fellow members.
This does not only help you overcome the depression.
It also improves the way you interact with other people.
Doing regular exercises has positive effect on the overall health of a person and can help prevent depression from getting worse.
While there is no best or most effective exercise to overcome depression; running, walking or gardening can help you fight depression.
Continuously and regularly do a couple of fun exercises to reap long-term benefits.
Exercise may not be your first option for treatment.
But the list of positive results of many studies done to prove that regular exercise and depression go well with each other is probably enough to encourage and motivate you to start doing fun physical activities.
Once you start exercising, you'll discover that this cheap practice has a lot more benefits than any other treatment methods for depression.