Depression. We’re all familiar with this word, but are we familiar with the fact that exercise can help fight depression. Depression can range anywhere from mild to moderate to severe, depending on where one falls on the spectrum depends on what one should do to manage their depression. Consulting with your doctor on ways to cope is best. In other words, exercise alone might not be sufficient for an individual, depending on their case. When you exercise, your brain releases feel-good endorphins that can improve your feeling of self-being. Exercise also gives you a healthy route to cope with depression by doing something positive. Not to mention, it can take your mind off the worries you may have for the time being. If you’re wondering how long you should exercise, that should be consulted with your doctor, depending on your case. In order to see changes in your mood, exercise should be done regularly and should be something you enjoy. Don’t pick an activity you don’t like, especially if you plan to continue with exercise for the time to come. Maybe you prefer to stay active outdoors rather than in a gym. If you’re not one who exercises already, then the motivation to start might already be challenging. To help with this, setting goals might be an excellent route to take.
The SMART goal-setting acronym might help do so:
Specific goals
Measures
Attainable outcomes
Relevant outcomes
Time Sensitive
Exercise can help in making depression manageable, but it’s also only one way. Seek out what positive route works for you, and stick with that.
About the Author:
Giovanna currently works in Foster City at Gilead Sciences, where she is a fitness specialist at the Wellbeing Center. She started with BaySport at the beginning of 2019 as a physical therapy aide at the Redwood Shores office. She graduated from San Francisco State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in movement science. Giovanna has always liked being active, having played soccer for 15 years, making the gym a priority, attending group exercise classes, following YouTube at-home workout videos during the pandemic lockdown, and going on hikes or walks when she can. In her free time, she likes to go to her favorite coffee shops, try out new ones, and spend time with her two dogs: Ava and Max.
