Hindsight is a pretty awesome thing isn’t it? What would we do without it?
In 2013 I had honestly hit rock bottom.
It still breaks my heart to think of how I was. Hopes and dreams shattered but holding on by a thread. One friend of mine whom I will always be forever thankful for would come and visit me at home. He saw how down I was but he never gave up on me.
Depression, anxiety or low mood is very common and the 1st episode normally occurs in ones mid 20’s. My symptoms looking back were :
- social withdrawal
- fatigue (to the point of asking my GP to do thyroid tests)
- reduced sleep
- low self confidence
I had lost all desire to do anything and was battling feelings of rejection and failure. Though I started to improve in 2014 exercise helped me tremendously! I intentionally didn’t start to exercise to help me with my mood but the side effect of my exercise regime was a tremendous positive change and uplift in my mood.
It has been proven that exercise is just as good as antidepressants.
Studies have shown that those whom have suffered from depression are less likely to relapse into it through exercise rather than medication alone.
Exercise is beneficial as it:
- Diverts any negative thoughts
- Increases social contact (discourages social withdrawal)
- Increases confidence
- Increases self esteem
- Reduces cortisol (stress hormone)
- Increases endorphins (feel good chemicals)
- Reduces anxiety
- Increases self belief
If you suffer at present from low mood, anxiety, stress or depression I strongly encourage you to consider exercise. It may be any form from walking, jogging, weights, running and many more. If you live in the UK consider speaking to your General Practioner about it or having a look at our NHS website. If like myself you have felt that exercise has helped you in the past please comment below on how it personally helped you.
It truly breaks my heart when people are down on themselves and I really hope that this article helps even one person today.
9 comments
Hi Ronia, really great blog & this is also how I have been feeling in the past , you are very inspirational xxx
EMMA!!!!!!! Seeing your name brings a smile to my face! I think Emma a lot of us have honestly felt like this hey! But we must be thankful that we will not always stay in that place. We can get through it xxx
Just starting a fitness plan so I’m going to see if there are any changes. Starting a Zuma class to see if I can this make it a little more fun…..we shall see
There will definitely be changes Tari!!! Can’t wait to hear about them either! Please keep me updated!
Fitness has given me a new direction, away from my bipolar disorder and anxiety issues. The benefits are endless, and life changing for me.
And “life changing” is the key phrase! Fitness does change ones life forever ! So glad it has helped you too!
Great post!! I really enjoyed reading what you said and can totally relate. Lifting truly aids in depression!
Thank you so much!!!