Exercise??
I know all exercise is meant to boost your serotonin and dopamine but are there any specific types that help more than others? Trying to find healthier ways of dealing with depression during the winter months when it's at its worst.
Hey FeverDreams:)
For a quick endorphin boost I likemoderate-to-intense cardio. Pure strength workouts--lifting weights and the like--have never done much for me. I have to run or swim or hike to really get my heart and endorphins in gear, but it's probably different for everyone.
Another thing that helps me a lot is yoga, which calms me, and gives me time to think. For me, I have to focus on my negative thoughts one by one before I let them go, but for other people pure distraction is best. I need a combination of the two.
Aside from the endorphin boost from exercise, running and yoga also give me the distraction and thought processing time I need--cardio is a distraction, it's when I listen to music and binge-watch tv; yoga is a form of cognitive therapy/meditation for me.
Although it's great to hear tips from other people, ultimately you'll have to find thecombination that works best for you. Some change it up, some find a pattern and stick with it. So let me know what you find, I always like to learn from other people :D
Thanks Astrid!
I go through periods of rigorously exercising everyday and feeling amazingto not exercising at all for months and months and piling weight on. It's not great for my self esteem! I guess I'm trying to find something sustainable that doesn't require me joining a gym (although I LOVE the gym) my living situation is sporadic so I can't get a membership. I think it's an issue with pacing myself mainly...
I've found exercise to really help take my mind of things. I can completely focus on the one thing and improve myself over time. Another thing I've noticed is that I don't feel tired as quickly if I take my anti-depressants right before exercise - has anyone else had the same experience?
DANCE! Dance is good for soul as well as the body. Make a compilation of all your favourite uplifting dance songs. Then dance like no-one is watching.
^ Works like a charm :p
That's a wonderful suggestion - I might be taking up dancing classes myself next semester too.
@FeverDreams, if you love dancing you might likezumbatoo. Make sure you are allowed to work out first by doing the necessary check ups with the help of your doctorand if you can, you can even seelots of work out exercises on YouTube to try till you find the type of exercisethat personally makes you feel better and you feel are good for your body.
Thanks Flourish! Trying to keep exercise a steady part of my life rather than something I pick up when I'm feeling low. Hopefully it will serve as a preventative measure.
@FeverDreams- You are welcome :) Keep it up!
Exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy are arguably the two best techniques to alleviate depression. I've even seen literature that exercise is superior to anti-depressant medication. Exercise does wonders for our neurochemistry and emotional well-being.
