Jogging and exercise helps depression

Jogging and exercise to help all and any depression (regardless of severity). Though, it cuts both ways - physical exercises really work force, but where do these forces, to begin thereby exercise?
When the soul is empty and cold and dark outside and minus 20 degrees, incredibly difficult to get out from under the blanket, get up on the icy floor, put on the running shoes and run. Very easy to promise yourself to do exercises every day, it's harder to do. If even in normal condition is hardly one of the hundreds dared to this «feat», then what can we say about the man, located in a depression.
But the fact is that any exercise increases the production of endorphins, which leads to increased mood. According to many psychiatrists - regular Jogging as effective as psychotherapy or antidepressants. Moreover, the improvement comes not only as a result of changes in biochemical processes - with regular exercises gradually change attitude towards yourself, and growing self-confidence.
A bit of personal experience... During the depression - running was the only way to emerge from the depression, at least for some time. Immediately reminded of the gray light of the morning, like each other like drops of rain, the complete absence of physical and mental strength... Often happened that a hard evening, the mood and the persistent ringing of the alarm were useless and Jogging disrupted. But if you managed to get through total indifference and steel himself, while running with every step energies, the head gradually became clean and clear. After Jogging depressive feeling significantly decreased, although this effect was rather short - depression come back a couple of hours. But nevertheless it is better to do something than to do nothing.
Very successful can be a method of combining running or exercise with deprivation of sleep. Usually, during the sleep deprivation, the period, when there are power and diminish signs of depression, comes early in the morning. So it is logical to use this time for Jogging or charging. On the other hand, at the time of deprivation, it is desirable to do something active to stay awake (thereby reducing the effect of methodology), and running in this case can be a good remedy against sleep.
Running long distances. The one who experienced a deep depression, knows that in this time of constant companions become negative thoughts. Try to get rid of them - lesson more than useless thoughts will fall through any action, not giving focus and removes his last strength. But there is one good way is to run on long distances. For someone it can be a real panacea. No need to be a marathoner - with the right attitude, a person can run for quite a long time. Most importantly, fully concentrate on the race and just watch. Sensations may be very similar feelings during meditation, as if the whole world is moving, and you're standing. No need to strain, just be, present in the running, feel that happens to your body, breath. It should be noted that after a while the feeling limit, appear relevant thoughts: "... can't...". But this is not true - if not stop, and continue to run further, just watching your senses, this barrier disappears opens a second breath, re-emerging forces. Such a beg - a kind of deception for the mind, at this time, he simply has no time to habitual thoughts, mind busy just another.
Yes, in the morning so desperately do not want to get up. Inside sticky fear. You lie, you think in the final seconds when now tingle time already brought forward alarm clock and we will have to flee. Escape to the world. There are no forces. No energy to get.
But if you can't get up - get on the floor.

I have no problem with energy. I take a mile walk in the morning; I take a 2 mile walk at night. I go swimming a lot too. I won't go to a gym cause I don't like gyms. I definitely exercise though.

You did a great job, keep up the good work! It do you good!Ride on!

exercise didn't help me. I stopped

In the 90's, I was severly depressed and dealing w/anorexia. I exercised up to 7 hrs a day and it didn't help my depression.

Even if you hate the gym or even the thought of any structured program you can still exercise. If it's too cold out or conditions are too bad to go outside, do simple stretches. If you want to go further than that there are several simple exercises that can be done inside the privacy of your home.

I understand lack of motivation to even get started. Although I've been physically active most of my adult life, there are times when the motivation is just not there. I have episodes of depression. I know that doing any kind of exercise will improve my flow of endorphins but sometimes that knowledge is not enough to motivate. That is when I do very simple and gentle stretches. Even if I only do two or one per day it is a small step that helps to increase motivation.

I walk quite a lot every week, and so I get a decent amount of excercise, but I am still depressed and still have anxiety issues.....so I am skeptical about excercise being a 'cure' for chronic depression I wish it were but if that was the case I wouldn't be depressed. Also the worse my depression gets the harder it is to have energy for anything. I know it can be a helpful aspect of treating depression as sitting around doing nothing doesn't help...but if it was as simple as going out and jogging or taking walks regularly I don't think this forum would even exist because people wouldn't be depressed.

From personal experience exercising has helped me a lot. While I'm not officially diagnosed with depression, I have some of the symptoms and scored moderate to severe on the pc depression quiz. Running has always been a stress relief for me so I guess I already associate it with feeling better. Most days it works, others it doesn't and for some people it doesn't work at all. I think the key is to find something you really enjoy, exercise or not, that can be an escape from the real world and from our minds <3

Dear friends, I'm talking about something that running and exercise can help with depression it as another form of therapy that can be useful. Each person is different, someone helps one thing and someone else. But one thing I know for sure - sports nobody harm, and it helps to physical and moral as 100%. Generally it is better to try to do all things with pleasure, consciously know when to stop , listen to your inner voice. Perhaps it will tell you how to treat depression.

I use exercise to stay mindful, to release endorphines, to be with a community of people and feel welcomed, to stay in physical health since mentally I do not feel well, I also use exercise as a way to self-harm.....I am addicted to the pain it causes. If I am not in pain everyday I feel off and anxious.

love your post, feel the same way!!!!!

Any movement is useful for depression. It may be a normal walking, running, any athletic exercises, morning exercises....anything. I for example, am riding on a skateboard, it helps me, distracts from depression, gives strength and energy for life. Movement should be in a person's life. This can also be a source of pleasure.

It's not very pleasurable but it's good for the body.

I practice yoga. It's actually a strength building exercise. Anything that releases endorphins, is good for the body, mind and soul.

Never imagined that something with such low impact, could actually burn calories, etc the way it has. After a good 6 months, some very small diet changes, and I mean small, diet changes, it was also body changing, weight lost and it changed the shape of my body. That regiment was started a year and a half ago.

If dropping a pant size or two, doesn't help depression, I don't know what does?!

Not, that I don't still get depression from time to time, but I'm just prone to it, especially in the winter time. Having a chronic illness, albeit in remission for many years, is just something that makes me realize, I either deal with the stresses in life now, or I'll pay for it physically. It's a hard reality, but it's mine.

Good thread. Thanks for this.

I heard that yoga has a surprisingly positive effect on the body and spirit. It is a great practice! You're right-do them. I'll try it too soon to do yoga. Thanks for the post!

But, if running is something you love, I say go for it!! One of my cousin, she runs races and marathons and various events. She's building up and trying to eventually make it to the Boston Marathon. Missed it, a couple years ago, with a knee injury!

Each person, finds their own passion with exercise !!

I have to confess, I do the same thing. I love to run until my lungs are burning, my legs are shaking and I feel like in going to throw up. I run to make myself feel better but also to tear myself into shreds...