Without prejudice to pharmacological treatment with antidepressants or psychotherapy, we continue to seek complementary methods that help us combat depression. Because overcoming depression is everyone’s job, a team effort that includes doctors, psychologists, family and friends but, above all, ourselves.
And it turns out that there are many things we can do for ourselves to speed up the recovery process from depression, whatever it is. Undoubtedly, the practice of physical exercise is presented as a powerful engine to overcome depression. Of course, we have some nuances, because in cases of depression, not all sports are advisable.
How physical exercise helps to overcome depression
- We know very well that anyone, with or without depression, should exercise moderately in order to have an acceptable quality of life. And it is not necessary to become an elite athlete, or even join a gym to get all the benefits of physical exercise, just go for a walk, run or ride a bike.
- In cases of depression, physical exercise is the best complement to the usual treatments. In addition, there are studies that show that the practice of physical exercise can be a good way to prevent depressive states. The reason is clear: physical exercise increases serotonin levels, that substance that regulates mood.
- In addition, the physical exercise that we practice when we are in the middle of treatment for depression can help reduce some of the side effects of antidepressants. Feeling fit and healthy improves our mood and increases our strength and desire to do things. And it is that physical exercise keeps us active, a factor to take into account in cases of depression.
The physical exercise that is best for depression
- However, there are some controversial aspects of practicing physical exercise to combat depression. On the one hand, there are competitive sports, such as tennis, which are not recommended in cases of depression because they can increase frustration. And on the other hand, if we are realistic, depression usually paralyzes the forces in such a way that even leaving the house can be a titanic effort.
- In this situation, the best way to combat depression is to force ourselves to go for a walk, accompanied if we can, to encourage sociability, but a first step may be to go for a walk alone. Little by little, we will get used to the routine of walking several days a week and we will be able to go one step further. Riding a bicycle is another of the healthiest exercises, especially since it is also done outdoors, as well as swimming, which is a very relaxing as well as healthy exercise.
- In any case, we must adapt the practice of physical exercise to our state of health. As soon as we notice some improvement in depression, it’s about going one step further and turning exercise into an ally to maintain our mood. Little by little, but we get going now.