EXERCISE IS THE MOST POTENT & UNDERUTILIZED ANTIDEPRESSANT
I want to talk about the mental health benefits of exercise. I come from a family with a history of mental illness & I have also had my moments of struggling with depression that I treated with antidepressants for a brief time. I hated the “numbness” it made me feel so I stopped taking them. Exercise has hands down been the most effective tool/medicine to help my sense of well being. I tell people all of the time it’s my therapy. It also helps me feel more energetic, I sleep better, I feel more positive overall, wayyyy more confident & just boosts my overall mood ALWAYS.
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Studies have shown that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant meds but without the side effects 🙌🏼 It not only releases endorphins in the brain but also promotes neural growth, reduces inflammation & causes new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm & well being. Exercise can also be a great distraction, allowing you to help break the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression.
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The good news it doesn’t take much to reap the mental benefits from exercise. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times a week is enough.
Take care of yourselves friends!🖤🧠🖤