Depression is something that most of us have felt, to some degree, at varying times in our lives. A harsh truth is that depression, at some point, is virtually unavoidable given our advanced capability for complex thought and emotion. However, because we are so smart, we have discovered ways to help ourselves avoid falling down the proverbial rabbit hole that is depression. In general terms, when we feel down or depressed our body and soul are in a state of dis-ease. What do I mean by dis-ease? It describes a lack of homeostasis, or balance, in the body. Obviously this can be from a myriad of physical or mental stresses, whether caused by school, work, family, injury, or something unknown. The end result is feelings of depression and a psyche that has been tilted out of balance toward the negative.
There are a wide variety of ways to help oneself out of a negative state. For the purposes of this article we are going to focus on the more natural approach of fitness. The word fitness, for some of us, can be a depressor in and of itself. Your mind automatically jumps to long days in a crowded gym, sweating it out with some over stimulated trainer yelling in your ear. Sure, that scenario is fitness for some people. However “fitness” is so much more than that, encompassing a vast world you may have never associated with the word. Fitness, simply put, is about getting up and moving. Doing something that involves your body in motion. Now, when I put it that way, I’m sure you can think of a few “fitness” things you would enjoy that don’t involve lifting a dumbbell. When I think fitness, I think wellness. And when I think wellness, I think balance. And when I think balance, I think happiness. It’s not an easy road, though. When we’re depressed it can be very debilitating. Oftentimes depression makes it hard to leave the house or even get out of bed. All of which makes the first step the biggest, and also the most difficult. But you have to find a way to take that step and break the cycle. It doesn’t have to be forcing yourself to jump out of bed and run three miles. It could simply be taking the dog for a walk around the neighborhood. The trick is not to make your initial goals unattainable, because that will always give you an excuse not to take the first step.
There have been countless studies done over the past several years that show the positive affects fitness can have on depression. Improved self-esteem is a key component of physical activity. When you exercise your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain. This interaction triggers a positive feeling in the body similar to that of morphine. Endorphins are the body’s natural “feel good” drugs. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as euphoric. That feeling, known as a "runner's high" can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life. However, to reiterate, you don’t have to start out training so hard that you’re dripping endorphins. Simply try to find something that gets you moving, that you also enjoy doing. The rest will take care of itself.