Many people suffer with depression at some point during their lives. Oftentimes, they seek professional help from therapists, psychologists or other medical professionals. Treatment often includes regular visits to health professionals and the taking of antidepressants. There are a variety of antidepressants on the market and the effects of these drugs vary from person to person.
Antidepressants typically don’t work any better than placebos. In fact they can cause severe problems in your health and life. It is a commonly known fact that depression can cause sufferers to have suicidal thoughts. However, antidepressant drugs have also been shown to cause suicidal and homicidal thoughts in addition to other related behaviors. Antidepressants can also cause serious health problems including those with potential life-threatening risks.
Exercise is an effective way of combatting depression without the use of prescription drugs. Significant research has confirmed that physical exercise is oftentimes as effective as antidepressants for helping people who suffer with depression. Exercise provides multiple benefits for the entire body. A few benefits include improving heart health and muscle tone and strength. Exercise also reduces levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Physical exercise causes the body to increase the level of endorphins. Endorphins are often referred to as the “feel good” hormones in your brain. Endorphins interact with brain receptors to lift the mood and produce a positive mood in the individual. Many runners experience a feeling often described as a “runner’s high.” They often describe it as a feeling of euphoria.
One does not need to be a runner to experience the psychological effects of exercise. All types of exercises are beneficial. Moderate exercises such as walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, swimming, biking, golf, rebounding and yoga provide variety and great health benefits.
Rebounders are mini-trampolines. Rebounding involves bouncing or jumping on the rebounder. This promotes circulation in the body and can greatly reduce depression levels. Rebounding is excellent exercise for the entire body and can be done by people of all fitness levels. Rebounders are particularly good for the lymphatic system which is the primary dumping ground for toxins and waste in the body. They can be used indoors or outdoors.
Rebound exercise provides psychological benefits in addition to other major health benefits. Rebounding is especially effective in eliminating toxins from the body. Sedentary people frequently have poor lymph flow and often suffer with more illnesses than those who exercise regularly. Rebound exercise greatly improves lymph flow and can improve the health of those who regularly do rebound exercise. An effective rebound exercise can be done in as few as fifteen minutes.
Group exercises such as in a gym or fitness center may be more beneficial to some sufferers of depression and it can be more pleasant than exercising alone. You may also prefer taking a walk with a friend or spouse. This enables you to gain emotional comfort and support in addition to the benefits of the physical activity that you engage in.
Check with your health practitioner before beginning an exercise program. Start slowly and gradually work up to a more intense workout if your health permits. A walk in the morning or evening can provide more health benefits than you may realize.
