Exercise to Beat Depression

Did you know that one of the best ways to fight depression is with exercise? It’s true.

I have spent the last 13 years of my life in a domestic violence environment, recovering from dv and helping to protect my children from dv. This has not been an easy road and I can assure you that depression has played a very large role in my life over. Fortunately, because of my active lifestyle and the fact that I exercise in some way, shape or form, daily has helped minimize the negative effects that depression can have on people. 

What I have experienced in my journey is that often times, exercising is the last thing I feel like doing when I’m really struggling with depression. I want to crawl under the covers and come out when I feel better again. But, as a single mother of 4, that’s definitely NOT an option for me. And I know that by exercising especially when I don’t feel like it, I will actually improve my mind set and feel more hopeful, optimistic and upbeat. 

Exercise releases “feel good” hormones in our bodies. Exercise releases endorphins (you may have heard of the “runner’s high”) and seratonin, both of which help boost our moods. You will likely notice that during and after you exercise you have a generally more positive outlook on life. Use this feeling as a reminder when you’re feeling down and out to get moving even when you don’t feel like it.

Because exercise provides stress and anxiety relief, I recommend doing it daily. If you are taking prescription medications for depression, anxiety or PTSD, exercise will really enhance the effectiveness of these drugs and help your healing process. Daily exercise does not have to be anything super intense or crazy. Simply getting some kind of movement activity for 20-30 minutes each day will likely provides the benefits you need.

Look for exercises that you will enjoy doing. For me, personally, exercising outside and getting away from the busy city life and into nature is very helpful and healing for me. It rejuvenates my soul. It’s very therapeutic. Whatever it is that you like - swimming, cycling, group classes - do that. Do not force yourself to do something you don’t enjoy. And please, do not make this about weight loss. Your mental health is far more important than you weight during this time. Put your attention into healing yourself on the inside and I guarantee the outside will follow suit.

If you are not in treatment and feel that you may be clinically depressed, please contact your PCP (primary care provider) to find out about therapy and medication options. I was one of those people who was not interested in prescription medication to treat my depression/PTSD/anxiety/panic attacks (yep, I had ALL of that!) but they have made such a difference in turning my life around and getting myself healthy. Please, do not hesitate to seek help.

5 Ways to Rally Yourself Out of a Funk

IIt happens to all of us from time to time. I don't care how much you have it together in your life, there are always storms that weren't in the forecast that can put us in a funk. Over the years I've become increasingly better at working through my funks and getting back to an emotionally good place pretty quickly. There are the most important things I do that allow me to rally out of a funk. 

Quit yo stinkin thinkin!!!

The worst thing we can do is think negative thoughts, allow ourselves to be discouraged and lose hope. The best way to do this is to immerse your brain in positivity. I personally turn to the Word of God but if you are not a believer, I suggest music that's positive, books that teach positive thinking or encouraging videos and blogs easily found on social media. Once I get my thinking right, everything starts looking better. Don't let yourself drown in negativity. 

Gather your circle.

The biggest blessing in my life is my circle. I am surrounded by people who have loved me through thick and thin. They know me and they are never too busy to shower me with love and support when I'm down and out. And the best thing they do for me is to remind me of WHO I AM. When I'm in a funk, I immediately start texting my circle and gather them up for coffee dates, workouts or wine time. Nothing makes my heart happier than being surrounded by my loved ones. 

Pamper yourself. 

This means different things to everybody but for me it usually means a new book, a really good cup of coffee and a comfy chair. It might be a hair cut or new accessories or a new piece of clothing from Nobella Grace. I usually love to get a pedicure in one of those massage chairs too. You know what indulgences you love...do them!! 

Move. 

When I'm in a funk, under the covers and in the corner sounds like a really good place to be. But it's NOT!!!!!! It's the worst place we can be. Move. Even if you don't feel like it. Get outside in the sunshine and fresh air. Grab a friend and go for a walk or a hike. Drag your butt to the gym for a workout. It may not be the best workout of your life but just the act of getting out and doing will help bring your spirits up!

Make fun plans!

Call up your girlfriends and plan a girls night out or a weekend getaway if you can swing it. Having something to look forward to will really help pull you up out of your funk. It obviously doesn't have to be with your girlfriends...your partner, your kids, yourself...you know what works for you. But having something fun on the calendar always puts us in a better mental place. 

Mostly, just keep reminding yourself that storms always end and this won't last forever. You're going THROUGH and this is the good thing: you're moving, you're not stuck. Keep going, you got this!!