Most people
probably don’t know that depression is something I’ve struggled with for about
13 years. I’ve had good days, bad days, and everything in between. I’ve been on
almost every medication you can name at some point or another, but there is one
medication that is FREE and has none of the negative side effects of most medicines,
AND you don’t have to go to a doctor to obtain it. Want to know what it is? Exercise. My
motivation for going to the gym like I do is not all to lose weight, a great
chunk of it is mental.
Physical
activity is proven to decrease the effects of depression, and will boost your
moods. I didn’t really buy into this much until I started working out on a
regular. I discovered that on days I didn’t go to the gym I was down in the
dumps and it took a lot of effort to be “happy”, whereas if I went to the gym
my spirits seemed lifted. When I start feeling really crappy or stressed I head
to the gym. It releases endorphins which naturally make you happier. It also
allows me to have a way to get out all my pent up anger or stress. Last week was one of the most trying weeks I’ve
had in a long time. My business, merged with another business. I felt like my
world had been turned upside down, and I didn’t know what was going to happen
to my future. All I wanted to do was curl up under my blankets and remain in my
bed until it all blew over. Would that help the situation? No. And I knew that.
I knew I needed to get up and get working, but how when I felt so bad? I did
the only thing I know how to do anymore, since I don’t take medications, I went
to the gym. I ended up running 3 miles that day, the most I’ve ever ran, but
the anger and the stress pushed me to go harder, push my body to its
limits. During the time of this run my
mind was clear. I didn’t think about the merger, I didn’t think about my
stress. I just ran. I finished my run, exhausted but happy. I collected my thoughts, organized them and
realized it was going to be okay. I now had the energy to push through the rest
of my day and get stuff done.
I
understand running is not for everyone, and trust me it’s not ALWAYS my go to,
and before a year ago it would not have even crossed my mind. However, any form
of physical activity can greatly help with you depression. Whether it be
lifting weights (this is my 2nd favorite, because I hulk out and \
push myself to my limit), walking, elliptical, doing a class. Whatever it may
be if you are getting your blood pumping and your body moving, you are going to
help with all that imbalance in your brain. I know it sounds crazy, and I know
it can be hard to motivate yourself to get up and go get it, but I promise it
works. Would you rather just medicate yourself and put chemicals in your body
that you really don’t know what they are, or would you rather get your booty up
and help reduce this problem naturally? I know my answer. Plus think of the
benefits of working out. Not only is it going to help with your depression,
stress, anxiety, etc, but it’s got great side effects. You might lose some
weight, gain some muscle, build your confidence, and the list goes on. Does
your Lexapro do that? No… That can make you gain weight, reduce your sex drive,
and a list that goes on and on and on.
I
suppose the moral of this little rant here is to motivate you to get out and
get moving. You’re not the only one
struggling through these issues, the difference is how we handle them. I
promise if you push yourself you’ll see a difference in your mood. There’s
plenty of days I don’t want go to the gym or workout, but once I do the high is
incomparable to anything else. I stopped taking my medications and replaced
them with extra gym time, I’ve never felt better a day in my life. I’m not
suggesting you just stop your medication- obviously talk to you’re a doc about
that- but I am saying at least get moving and you’ll notice a major difference
in your mood and attitude.
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