Exercise can help to ameliorate signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety. This does not need to be a structured exercise program; any physical movement is good. Exercise improves your mood by providing the release of endorphins which enhance the feeling of well being. Moving about also helps to distract us from bad feelings and anxiety. The following are also reasons that regular movement/exercise are helpful:
- Increased confidence by both meeting exercise goals and feeling better about yourself.
- More social interaction, as exercising can give you the chance to meet others doing the same thing. (Social interaction can assist in decreasing depression symptoms.)
- Engaging in exercise is a way of healthy coping.
Broadening the way you think about exercise can allow you not to feel stress about a regular exercise schedule. For instance, you can park further away from a store, take stairs instead of an elevator, or walk or bike to work. The important part of this is to get out of the house and engaging something that allows you to move.