Those suffering from depression often experience apathy, and become lethargic. As activity lessens, the sufferer becomes more morose, and inertia sets in. This persistent inactivity exacerbates the symptoms of depression.

Though mentally and physically challenging, the sufferer does need to exercise. Says Kristin Vickers-Douglas, Ph.D, a psychologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, "It's not a magic bullet, but increasing physical activity is a positive and active strategy to help manage depression and anxiety."(1)

But sufferers from depression are unlikely to hop out of bed and run to the gym for a session on the Stairmaster. Instead, starting with small amounts of exercise, about 15 minutes at a time, is recommended. Simple household tasks will not only provide a means of exercise, but will help the sufferer take control of his or her surroundings.

Loading a dishwasher may not seem like an invigorating form of exercise, but it does involve movement. The sufferer may not feel the burn' as he or she sweeps the floor, but the act of sweeping is rhythmic, requires stretching, and does, of course, involve that all important anti-inertia element, movement.

Because depression creates in its victims a sense of pessimism, sufferers tend to see in their surroundings obstacles to happiness, and may feel powerless in overcoming these obstacles. By being able to physically change any one element in their immediate surroundings, their homes, the sufferer may make a small start toward optimism.

This psychological boost can act as a catalyst; the sufferer feels a sense of empowerment that will then provide incentive to take on another obstacle. The physical actions required in housekeeping chores not only combat apathy and inertia, they combat the negative thought streams of powerlessness.

Exercise of any kind offers physiological benefits as well. It has a positive effect on mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, boosts the endorphins, and reduces the level of the stress hormone cortisol.(2) Chronically elevated levels of cortisol have been associated with the state of depression.(3) A regular routine of exercise, then, may help to control the levels of cortisol and assist in reducing the symptoms of depression. Simple household chores may not affect the neurotransmitters, the endorphins or cortisol levels in the same way as a thirty-minute workout on a treadmill, but they are the first small step on that journey to wellness.

It is important to keep in mind that household chores can become tedious. Even the healthiest person can experience a sense of pessimism when faced with yet another day of dishes, dusting, laundry, vacuuming, and cooking. For the sufferer of depression, the goal should not be a clean house, but rather a chore accomplished. Assigning certain chores to certain days may reduce the tedium, and the amount of work expected should be realistic. Other ways to combat the boredom often associated with chores is to play music, to put on talk radio and talk back to the commentator, or plan a reward for when the task is completed.

A clean house is lovely to look at, but the goal is not to make the cover of Home Beautiful magazine. The goal is to overcome the immobilizing sense of hopelessness that accompanies depression. The goal is take control over the immediate environment. The goal is to gain enough strength and confidence to leave the house, go to the gym, and get on that Stairmaster.

1)http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and -exercise/MH00043

2) http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exer cise/MH00043

3)http://depression.about.com/od/causes/f/cortiso l.htm

Learn more about this author, Shelly Mcrae.
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