Do you have 15 minutes to help ease your depression?

Hello folks, I read one study indicating that walking in nature (by trees or water) for at least 15 minutes can help to significantly improve neurotransmitter levels and boost mood!
It helps me. Anyone else?

Another idea! Curious folks tend to report higher levels of happiness. So if you already go for walks outside, try switching things up...walk in the opposite direction or in a different area...or wear a novelty item to boost your dopamine levels

Hope this helps!

We have a dog I take for daily walks... sun, clouds, rain, wind, snow, sleet, ice, freezing temperatures... you name it... we're out there. Does it help? I guess I've been doing it for so long I couldn't really say for sure. I certainly don't think it can hurt!

We change up the directions we take on our walks periodically. We're typically out walking for around 45 minutes or so at a shot. I do have to admit, though, that if I didn't have the dog to walk, it may be unlikely I'd be out there. He does get & keep me going. Thanks for the suggestion!

I'm not sure about whether it would help my mental health, but it would certainly help my physical health. I sit around all day and am overweight. I should probably get a dog to force myself to walk, but instead I have a cat, and he and I are lazy together.

If you believe that body, mind, and spirit are linked (I do) then helping your physical health will simultaneously help your mental well-being. "Sitting around all day," as you put it, actually prevents your brain from releasing adequate dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which helps you to feel good. Movement causes more dopamine to be released. Have you ever heard of a "runner's high?" People often experience a "buzz" from the movement; that's why some folks even get hooked on exercise. Our bodies were not designed to be sedentary. No judgment though...when I feel very low it is harder to move; my body sometimes feel like lead even though I'm a healthy weight.

If it seems like a chore to walk outside for 15, dial it back and start small. If you are feeling heavy (emotionally) then just try getting up from the couch and walking around your home for as many times as you are willing...your cat may even be curious and wind up walking with you. Then you can gradually build up to a nice 15 minute walk outside The fresh air and natural light will also help your brain. See what happens!

Has there been a time when you remember moving around more (a particular day or eve) and you felt better than when you sit on the couch? I even notice it when I get into chore-mode at home and I'm moving around to do my laundry and cleaning etc. I also play happy beats to make it more motivating. There is a LOT of research on the link between exercise and feeling good emotionally and physically. I only gave one small example on this thread.

I don't think you are "lazy." Personally, I have never met a lazy person. You sound depressed though of course I'm not a MD. I am sorry that you feel "down and lonely." I hope some movement will help!

Since you are already getting regular exercise, you can increase your dopamine levels by adding novelty to your movement. If you have Netflix, check out 'Happy.' A documentary with researchers providing info from multiple countries on why some people are happier than others. They explain in detail why movement and novelty are valuable in increasing dopamine and making people feel good. You could also try upping from walking to jogging. Just some friendly suggestions...I know how tough depression is. Peace to you