Exercise lends a focus to your life. A disciplined routine, when maintained, can be an affirmation of one’s resolve and capability. This in itself is a great morale booster. The thought that one can subject oneself to fitness routine (however distasteful one may find it initially) day after day is a great way to assert one’s self worth. Appropriate goals, which are both realistic and sensible, need to be set as part of the fitness training. On achieving those goals, once again, one’s sense of self worth is reaffirmed and self- confidence elevated. Attending a class or joining a gym is also a social activity that enables one to connect with other people doing the same thing.
Depressed individuals often isolate themselves and, as a result, become more depressed as they wallow in self-pity and their mind goes through endless loops of melodrama, which is part of the disease. A diversion with activity, other people (especially people they are not otherwise concerned or connected with), an instructor, trainer, music act as mood elevators and breaks this cycle of negative thought process and pessimism.
What kinds of exercise benefit depression?
Aerobic activity is the most effective. Resistance training can help improve self-image, and group activities can help improve sociability and people skills besides aiding in eliminating symptoms of depression.The keys to success in sticking with regular exercise at a time when motivation and enthusiasm for exercise may not be at an all time high are: Set simple, realistic goals initially, you don’t have to train for a marathon or the Olympics. Choose an activity you like and enjoy. Try and make it social. Set realistic goals and work towards them go easy on you. You may not be able to do too much or exercise too hard initially. Work with your therapist; keep him/her involved with your progress so he/she can step in when required. Identify your barriers. You may be, for instance, self-conscious and uncomfortable workingout with other people. You may then prefer to exercise in the privacy of your home. Your first goal should be just to stick with exercising 4-5 times/week irrespective of what you do or how intense the workout turns out to be.
Finally prepare for setbacks. Everyone has them; the stale period, days when you are simply unable to work out, times when you gain back some of the weight lost, and days when exercise is just no fun. Depressed individuals tend to blame themselves for their apparent sense of failure. Avoid the blame game and focus instead on your successes and achievements.
