Improve Your Mood... Naturally!

Dr. Daniel Amen wrote in his recent blog, “researchers have discovered that physical activity works at least as well against mild to moderate depression, as any other treatment.”  Most of us have probably heard that before… but have you really considered the implications for this bit of knowledge?  It means that in some cases, natural ways of improving your mood (via regular exercise), can replace long-term mood stabilizing prescribed medication.  How can that be? 

The effects of exercise have a direct and immediate impact on serotonin by increasing the serotonin levels in our brains, which makes us feel better… immediately!  “A new research conducted at the University of Texas at Austin found that just one single 40-minute period of exercise can have an immediate (positive) effect on your mood,” Dr. Amen.  Yes, immediate… and the benefits don’t end at improving you mood.  Serotonin also is related to sleep, cognitive functioning (like problem solving, memory recall and attention), and multiple other processes that help us function properly and effortlessly.   

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But when symptoms of depression are overwhelming, people often say that it’s difficult to get out of bed… much less leave the house and exercise.  So what’s the solution?  Sometimes overriding our emotional state… sadness, anger, worrisome, or stressed by making a behavioral change (like leaving the house and going for a walk) is just the thing to do.  Our thoughts, feelings and actions are all connected so that making a change in one of those areas, directly affects the others.  

If you are new to exercise, it’s important to start small.  It’s much better to walk once around the block several times a week than to run two miles on day one and then give up because you’ve pushed your body too hard, too fast.  Incorporating exercise is a lifestyle change.  Essentially, it’s a process, not an event.  To keep yourself motivated, set several goals for yourself, track your progress and reward, reward, reward yourself for each step you take toward your ultimate goal of feeling better… naturally.  There are plenty of tools out there to help you, including personal trainers, running groups, websites and apps… all designed to help you along the way.  Involving others in your lifestyle changes is a great way to stay on track… oh, and did I mention it’s much more fun??? Grab a friend, your spouse, a co-worker or someone at church and find a 5K walk/run a few months from now that you can train for.  Sports Monkey in Houston has several team oriented sports designed for adults.  Look into that if you’d like to elevate your fun factor and meet some new friends.   

Do something you like to do.  Something you are excited to get out and do.  Something that is FUN.  Yes, FUN.  When is the last time you set aside time in your busy day to have FUN? 

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