Feeling depressed? A lot of people are depressed these days. When someone feels depressed, what do they do? For some, they choose to ignore it and hope it goes away. They try and “work through it on their own.” Others go to doctors and ask for pills. Many Americans are on antidepressants. Some of the key names you might recognize include Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. While these pills may help people, they also include a number of side effects– including some negative ones. Plus, do most people want to be “on pills” for a long time/the rest of their lives? No.
What about exercise? Could exercise be a decent alternative to taking pills to treat depression? Recent research shows that exercise is definitely a natural, healthy way to combat depression… Not only does regular exercise help protect against heart disease and diabetes, but it also improves sleep and lowers blood pressure. Furthermore, it’s a great idea to do high-intensity exercise to battle depression– that’s when the body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, giving people a “natural high.” Meanwhile, even low-intensity exercise can help make a person feel better over time. Proteins get released during and after exercise causing nerve cells to grow and make new connections. In turn, the brain functions better. Specifically, neuroscientists found that the hippocampus in the brain (the region that helps regulate mood) is smaller in people who are depressed. That said, when those people make exercise part of their daily regimen, exercise supports nerve cell growth in the hippocampus. Nerve cell connections are improved, and depression is relieved. So, in conclusion, exercise is great not just for your body and health, but brain and mood as well.
If you’re someone who hasn’t exercised before, it can be hard to start. “Where do I begin?” is a question most people ask themselves. Furthermore, they need someone or something to motivate them to actually do exercise. Did you know chiropractor Dr. Jason Gerard can help coach you in this regard? He’s the kind of guide who you can be accountable to, and he’s there for you to talk with, ask questions, and to push you out of your sedentary comfort zone. If you’ve been feeling depressed and suspect that exercise is a better choice than taking pills in order to feel better, then you should definitely schedule an appointment at Lakewoods Chiropractic in Forest Lake, MN. Dr. Gerard can help you develop an action plan and stick to it, such that exercise becomes a new habit that helps you!
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