2 of 9

Write now Article Tools

Whenever life goes wrong, it's basic human nature to feel exceedingly sorry for yourself and sink into depression. But depression can be perilous, even life-threatening when it leads to despair, or it begins to wear on you to the point where you can't sleep. Accidental drug overdose, suicide, or other self destructive behaviors have ruined lives that otherwise could have been salvaged by turning to the physical side of life, and initiating some simple exercise for relief. After a while, depression and exercise usually become incompatible.

There's something about exercise that floods the human psyche with self-motivation, and produces a surge of positive emotions. In a short time one may acquire that feeling of renewal; "Yes, life goes on, and I'm much better off to go it happily and vigorously". Exercise rejuvinates. The body and mind now function the way they were designed. Your horizons become brightened. And now you're truly ready to move on!

Everything begins with that first step. Choosing your favorite form of childhood activity is the best chance for success. If you loved rope jumping as a youth, buy a jump rope. If you loved to run as a child, lace up those Nike shoes and get moving again. Play racketball. Join a gym. Get a bike; do whatever you like. Performing exercise that you enjoy will keep you going and enjoying a newfound active lifestyle.

But easy does it first. Adopt your plan in phases, and each day add a little more. Pick an area where you feel at home. Have a set time and place. Your routine will become fun; this is when exercise becomes the great positive addiction in one's formerly depressed state of mind. Before long you might achieve the best shape of your adult life. You conquered adversity and became a renewed person. Your friends may barely recognize the new you. Your step has that telltale spring. Life feels good again.

Exercise gets addictive because it gets those brain endorphins flowing. Your life often will turn decidedly happy. Maybe you land a new job. Or you meet someone new. You'll sleep soundly again...all because you stopped the self pity and took the initiative.

So why are we sometimes reluctant to use simple exercise as therapy? Because it all just seems too simple. People often seek more obvious solutions, such as medical or spiritual professionals for their primary advice. But sometimes it might be better to be your own therapist if depression strikes.
.

Exercise self-therapy is often the best prescription. Suppression of depression is often as close as that first exercise session! Get moving...be happy; life is too short to feel otherwise.

Learn more about this author, Rich Sabatini.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about What's the best medicine? It's exercise!?
We want to hear your view. Write now!