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Regular Exercise Is Now Proven To Treat Depression
Blog | January 07, 2014
Sometimes the blues just don’t go away. Clouds linger around us and not much seems to brighten our days. Add to the fact that our lives are increasingly sedentary even with our busy schedules and often filled with uncertainty. It’s no wonder that pharmaceutical companies are minting a fortune off our sorrows. I went through a major anxiety myself and got out of it just recently after almost a year and a half. I’d like to share with you in this video how exercise has been helping me to stay sane.
Thankfully, new research offers a genuine silver lining. A study out of Duke University offers compelling evidence that at least thirty minutes of brisk, cardiovascular exercise is more effective than taking Zoloft, a common pharmaceutical drug used to treat mild to major depression. The study also demonstrated that the more one exercised the less likely their depression would return. Another startling conclusion, according to Professor James Blumenthal who headed the study, was that exercise in addition to taking an anti-depressant did not have a greater benefit than exercise alone.
Why does exercise work in treating depression? Gary Small, a professor of psychiatry at UCLA, suggests that exercise increases blood flow to the brain and releases endorphins, our body’s natural antidepressant. If you’ve ever felt euphoric after a workout, chances are, your body let loose a healthy dose of endorphins.
Along with endorphins, exercise also releases another chemical known as serotonin. Aside from environmental factors such grief and loss, many in the scientific community believe that a lack of serotonin is the main culprit in triggering depression. In fact, antidepressant drugs often artificially increase serotonin production in the brain.
A great experiment to do with yourself when feeling down or anxious is to workout or go for a light jog for thirty minutes to an hour then gauge your mood afterward. More than likely, you’ll feel a palpable lift to your spirits and mood. It may require a bit more willpower to get yourself going if you’re unhappy or stressed, but it’ll be worth it. Exercise rather than taking a pill can provide us with a greater sense of control over our daily stresses and sorrows. It can also teach us that our lives do not have to be at the mercy of our moods. Instead, we can actually control how we feel with effort and persistence and take better charge of our lives.
Of course, it goes without saying, that if you’re currently taking antidepressants or experiencing an unusually high amount of sorrow or anxiety, it’s best to consult with a doctor first.
Best,
Zuzka
Private Member |
Thank you Zuzka for great posts!
I was going through a very difficult situation where I still turned back to the past and only excercise helped me – to focus on the future, have some goals, work on myself and start all over again. So I can’t more agree.
Private Member |
I totally agree with everything you just said. I would also add that meditation can definitely (and has also proven to) treat depression. I teach meditation and have online courses so that it is affordable for people. I believe it is super important along with exercise to keep me happy!!
I would just like to say that I have been through your whole B’rock beginnings with you and have watched you grow as a beautiful human being, inside and out, these past few years. You were shy at the start and you have come so far. You have built a very successful business and it’s better than what you had before (in my opinion anyway).
I think you are awesome and sometimes I just want to reach through my screen and hug you. So (((((hugs))))) to you Zuzka and I wish you all the very best with continued amazing success. You deserve it big time. My body is literally changing before my eyes as I now incorporate a very healthy clean diet to support your training, which I never used to do. You never know perhaps one day I’ll be brave enough to send you a pic or 2. 🙂
Private Member |
I just can(t imagine that you’ve been through this recently … you seem so …joyfull ! great actress, you should think about it ! 😉 kidding of course. many people just hide it , wich make them feel worst instead of talking and Working out with you… happy new year again to all the warriors except those who where choosen, instead of me, to work out with you in person in LA !!!
Private Member |
Thank you Zuzka for this post! I totally agree with you and experience it since I am working out with you. I became an addict to your workout, because I fell SO great after it, I feel energized and happy and I know now that I cannot just imagine living without this “bowl of oxygen” that keeps me away from stress and anxiety. Thank you very much for being here.
Private Member |
Thanks for posting about depression Zuzka. It’s so important to talk about! I got into fitness after going through depression and anxiety and it’s my anti-depressant. I have overcome these things by becoming committed to working out and eating healthy. It’s so important for people going through depression or anxiety. Now it’s not something I suffer from but I don’t dare stop training as it keeps me stress free!
Private Member |
You are so right Zuz!!! And guys i can definitely tell you that working out can do miracles. I am going through very serious treatment now and have been for past 5,5 months. According to doctors i supposed to be laying in bed and dying from side affects, which i kind of have done at the beginnng but then i pushed myself (really hard:)) and got over it, feel better than some healthy people now and all thanks to you Zuz and your workouts. Since about 3-4 years ago this is the best thing in my life! Thanks for bringing us up all the time!
Private Member |
Thank you Zuzka for such a wonderful and inspiring post. You are so right!
Private Member |
You are wonderful, Zuska! The more I hear your story and what you have been through, the more I respect and admire you. I LOVE your workouts and you help me to stay young with your great workouts and your amazing spirit.
Private Member |
Thank you for sharing! Been working out with you since the early days of that “other business”. Glad you are over your hurdle and thriving!
Private Member |
Hi!
It’s very nice listen to you being so sincere, giving us the depth of your experiences. Thanks! Excercise is a lot more than superficial physical workout or just a great looking body! It’s a lifestyle!
I would also like to share my story with you. Like you I’ve suffered from depression, as well as some other very severe health problems, e. g. rhematoid arthritis. As a miracle I cured myself from these so called incurable diseases. Excercise was one of the important ingredients, but also a paleo lifestyle in general. If you’re interested you can watch this video for more information: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwGXiC9je7o
I followed you about five years ago, but then when I moved out in the nature I did excercise just by living. Now, recently having moved to a small wooden cabin in the swedish forest, I’m very glad to see you still do what you do! And better than before!
Keep it up!
Best regards / Jonatan