Exercise and the Depression

Regular exercise is important for good physical and mental health. Exercise promotes the release of feel-good brain chemicals. It may also help distract you from your worries and improve your confidence.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of apathy and sadness. Life experiences can cause depression, but usually the dominant problem is chemistry happening in the brain.

Endorphins and other neurotransmitters

Endorphins are a type of neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger. They help relieve pain and stress.

Endorphins are only one of many neurotransmitters released when you exercise. Physical activity also stimulates the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These brain chemicals play an important part in regulating your mood.

Regular exercise can positively impact serotonin levels in your brain. Raising your levels of serotonin boosts your mood and overall sense of well-being. It can also help improve your appetite and sleep cycles, which are often negatively affected by depression.

Aerobic workouts are most associated with positive results in treating depression. Aerobic exercise elevates your heart rate, which improves circulation in your brain. This helps promote healthy brain function and balanced brain chemistry. 

Neurotransmitters secreted in brain while exercising

• Norepinephrine improves attention, perception and motivation.
• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protects and repairs neurons degeneration.
• Hormone combine with BDNF to grow brain cells, regulate mood and provide mental clarity.
• The hippocampus, a part of the brain concerned with learning and memory, grows in size with regular exercise over time.
• Endorphins are released, during the sensation of pain.
• Serotonin enhances the over all  mood enhancement.
• Dopamine is released improving motivation, focus and learning.
  
  

Exercise vs Rest vs Mood

Exercise vs Endorphin secretion

Exercise can have other mental health benefits too. For example, focusing on your body’s movements during exercise may help distract you from upsetting thoughts. Setting and meeting exercise-related goals may also boost your confidence and sense of control.

Why do we have to hesitate to exercise when you can be healthy physically & emotionally?