Exercise as an Antidepressant

When we think of exercise we always think of the physiological health benefits. But have you ever thought of the psychological benefits?

We all have experienced a high after working out. We get to the gym, maybe we want to be there or maybe we don’t. Either way by the time we have broken a sweat and are walking out the door we feel better. We leave feeling productive, healthy, and self-sufficient. This feeling also comes with running, biking, and many other forms of exercise. This feeling has long been unexplainable, but recently science has made better sense of it. Now there are multiple studies to back up what the gym bro’s have always said. Exercise improves mood and mental health.

Many articles have found this to be true. Study after study shows that exercise is beneficial in fighting depression, anxiety and mental health. Some studies even claim that exercise is as good, if not better than antidepressants without the side effects. In fact, Harvard Medical School even cited exercise as a valid treatment for depression. Exercise may not be a Cure-All, but it may be a valuable piece to the puzzle. Want to hear more about this from someone smarter than me? Click here.

Hormones and Endorphins

You have probably heard of people speaking about an “endorphin dump.” What does this even mean? Endorphins are actually a natural opioid that both relieves pain and boosts your mood. Released during exercise it is often called a “runners high” and numbs the ache in your muscles and motivates you to keep going. Not to mention the increase in dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin which are often lower in people experiencing depression.

How to use this to our benefit.

In a world where medicine is the first answer, maybe a better answer is right in front of us. It is undeniable that exercise at least helps with stress, anxiety and depression and comes with almost zero negative side effects. You do not even have to do that much! Start with a short walk every day or maybe a 30-minute workout. Why not give it a try? Experience the psychological benefits of exercise along with the physiological benefits.

Checkout what Sal Di Stefano has to say about the topic. Sal is a very experienced and successful trainer who is one of three who host a weekly podcast called Mind Pump that has taught me a lot and I recommend to everyone.

@mindpumpmedia

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