My brother suffers from depression. Like most sufferers he has no reason to suffer from this condition. He has an amazing life. Beautiful wife, 3 healthy children, successful and fulfilling career.
Perhaps it is something innate in his brain chemistry. Perhaps there are problems I don’t know about. But what I do know is that he successfully ’self-medicates’ - with exercise.
After many years of experimentation he finds it is the only thing that (a) works and (b) is assuredly healthy. At the heart of things, nobody really wants to take medication long-term. We want natural solutions.
The benefits of exercise on mood are well-documented. Both scientifically and anecdotally. We have all experienced the endorphin rush after exercise.
It doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise. Just being active for a sustained period of time. And if you can be outdoors or listening to music. So much the better for your mood.
So if you are depressed and not exercising, consider some sustained regular exercise before reaching for the prescription.
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