Five Reasons to Try Exercise
Are you hesitant to try exercise? The risk is very low, and the potential benefits are huge. Consider the following:
- Low cost: Exercise is very often free. You could spend thousands of dollars on the latest fitness equipment or gym memberships, or you could lace up your shoes and go for a walk outside.
- Independence: Once you learn how to exercise safely and effectively, you can continue on your own, giving you feelings of independence and control.
- Availability: Exercise is endlessly available due to the ability you have to modify it for your needs. The only limit is your creativity.
- Side effects: Exercise has no side effects, except perhaps sore muscles when you get started. Side effects of psychotropic drugs are long, scary and sometimes worse than the depression.
- Physical benefits: The positive physical benefits of exercise make it worth trying even if it doesn't do much to improve your depression. The holistic approach cannot be overstated here. Lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, improved heart and lung health, and reduced chance of obesity and diabetes are all possible through exercise.
Breaking the Five Biggest Barriers
You are probably sick and tired of hearing about exercise. You family, friends, doctors and therapists love talking about how great exercise is, but you arm yourself with a solid dose of skepticism. Do you want to find the ways to break the most stubborn barriers? Here’s how:
- I don't have the time. It's true; your life is busy. Work, family commitments, appointments and other obligations take up most of your day. But how many status updates do you read through and how many Youtube videos of cats or car accidents do you watch? Many people shun exercise in the name of relaxation, but exercises is one of the best things you can do to relax. Sitting on the couch is a negative coping skill. Trade it in for a positive one.
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- It hurts too much. Start very slowly and increase the amount and intensity of exercise from there. Trying too much too soon will leave you sore and demotivated.
- I have no energy. Depression leaves you feeling exhausted and run down. But instead of waiting until you have enough energy to exercise, exercise to boost your energy. Most people report feeling more alert, focused and energized following exercise.
- It’s no fun. Expand your idea of what exercise is. Anything that increases your heart rate, breathing rate and exerts your muscles counts as exercise. If you enjoy sex, then you enjoy exercising. Approach the situation with the mindset that any exercise is better than no exercise. As long as you do something that you enjoy and find appealing, it is a success.
- I’m all alone. Working out with other people boosts motivation and accountability, but you may not have a group of friends who want to exercise at the same time and in the same way you do. If you do not have a partner, learn new ways to hold yourself responsible. Establish rewards for yourself to be your own motivation.
