Get Rid of Depression Naturally with Exercise

Many aerobic exercise instructors always seem to be in a good mood, even when they are not. Those people who run around in the mornings before work seem to constantly have a pleasant demeanor for the day or a more pleasant one than those who do not exercise. It has been shown in several research studies and focus groups that people who exercise regularly are much more likely to beat depression when it occurs or prevent depression from occurring.

Depression generally takes away a person's natural happiness and enthusiasm and can also give the person a downbeat attitude, lower motivation, result in concentration problems, cause appetite changes and can disrupt the person's natural sleep habits.

Depression generally should clear itself up in a few weeks though if this does not occur, a doctor may prescribe medication to help free the person from the crippling effects of this medical condition. Therapy may also be scheduled for the person to help depression to go away, doctors nowadays are also prescribing exercise to help rid the person of the effects of depression.

Antidepressant medication are the best course of action to get rid of the effects of depression quickly and easily but it has been shown that when this medication is coupled with regular exercise that the effects are greatly improved. The effect of the medication is improved and the effects are also seen more quickly with the person getting rid of the depression at a faster rate. It is now thought that exercise can help to prevent depression and people with high fitness levels are much less likely to suffer from depression.

Exercise provides a distraction which helps to take away the person's mid from the incident or person or reason why they are becoming depressed. The exercise also helps mental focus and provides a positive channel to release tension which builds due to depression.

Exercise also yields chemical changes which are seen in the body and the brain, chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are secreted when the person exercises and these can help break the strangle hold of depression.

Exercise especially in new environments or at the gym provides new resources for social interaction and enables the person to meet other people and engage in group activities that can help take your mind from the depression.

Low intensity exercises are just as effective that high intensity exercise when it comes to beating depression, the studies that confirm this hypothesis also show that exercise also strengthens the heart and lungs. Hence with a combination of drugs, exercise and counseling, anyone can beat depression and lead a normal happy lifestyle.

References
1. Exercise and Depression. http://exercise.about.com/cs/exercisehealth/a/depression.htm
2. Exercise and Depression. http://www.shockmd.com/2009/04/30/exercise-and-depression/