Conquering stress and depression through exercise

            Exercise is not only a great way to change our physical body. It’s one of nature’s best stress relievers and has been clinically proven to help those suffering from depression. Western culture and the modern rat race has led us to be one of the most highly stressed and depressed nations in the world. We work some of the longest hours, sleep the least amount of hours, and have some of the poorest diets. Couple that with our long commutes and you have a recipe for disaster! While we get through it day by day, the daily stress eats at us from inside and before you know it, we are popping pills to manage our constant anxiety and lack of energy.

            Stress, depression, and anxiety are not just head games though. A behind-the-scenes look at our brain tells us that stress can actually cause chemical imbalances in the brain by disrupting the production/uptake of serotonin, nor epinephrine and dopamine, otherwise known as the “feel-good” chemicals. These chemicals work together in delicate systems that help keep us alert, happy and full of positive energy.   However, when we exercise, our bodies also release chemicals called endorphins.  Endorphins act similar to these “feel good” chemicals by blocking sensitivity to pain, and enhancing feelings of pleasure.  In fact, it’s been shown that a depletion of endorphins may be responsible for clinical depression and fluctuations in one’s emotional state.  Essentially, endorphins affect us like codeine or morphine without the accompanying addiction.

            And they may be self reinforcing.  There is evidence that endorphins are responsible for the “placebo effect” one experiences owing to the real response of endorphin-release prompted by anticipating a certain outcome.  In other words, if you think exercise (or a pill) is going to make you feel better, the fact that you feel that way may lead your body to release endorphins simply because of the anticipation of a pleasurable feeling.

            Maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle is important.  One could even argue that it is essential.  Regardless of the caliber of inner demons you find yourself struggling against, exercise will go a long way to allowing you to emerge from the haze of depression (or emotional fluctuation) and bask in the sun-kissed blue sky above.  Don’t be a slave to the darkness.  Turn on your inner light and do some burpees.  Your body and mind will appreciate it.