5 Steps For Working Out the Blues

By Kriti Arora
Workouts may soon become the preferred treatment to beat depression. At a time when "talk therapy" and prescription anti-depressant pills are the norm in treating the dreaded illness, this comes as a ray of hope for people looking for natural cures for depression. Exercise reduces anxiety and stress, promotes good sleep, and increases the energy levels which in turn fight depression. With the World Health Organization (WHO) predicting that by 2020, depression will the second largest killer disease, right after heart disease, ways to beat it is becoming a very important issue. Here are 5 steps you can work out the blues.
Step 1:
Most mental health professionals will agree that any type of exercise, as long as it is done regularly, will cure depression. Decide on the kind of program you want to implement by finding out what you already like doing. The worst thing you could do is thinking of exercise as a chore you have to do. Instead think of it as a fun activity.
Step 2:
Star slowly. Don't expect that you will run a marathon the first day of your exercise program. Tailor your program according to your state of mind. If you start with a wildly strenuous activity that tires you the very first day, you will be inclined to skip it the next day. Moreover the chances of injury are also high. Instead start with something small and gradually increase. This will beat your blues.
Step 3:
Starting with something gentle such as stretching exercises of yoga and tai chi is a wonderful idea. You can also try deep breathing exercises. They not only calm the mind, but also relax the depressive symptoms. Since yoga requires a person to concentrate and focus, it will reconnect your spirit and mind. It is a natural depression treatment.
Step 4:
Having a group or a partner for your workout session is a great idea. Not only will it increase your chances of sticking to the program, it will also serve as an antidote to loneliness. Talking to someone while you sweat it out is fun and also fights depression. Also, as much as possible, go out to exercise. Sunshine and fresh air will do wonders for your depression and elevate your mood. You will also be having a lot of fun jogging around the park with a friend for company.
Step 5:
Do not give up on your exercise program. Because if you do stop it, it's going to worsen your depression as you will think of yourself as a failure who couldn't even keep up an exercise program. Alternatively, if you do continue, it will give a boost to your self-esteem and overall emotional state. Your body will also thank you.
Beating depression with exercise is the best way to deal with it. For one, it has no side effects and for a second, it will make you lose weight! So go ahead and work out your blues away!