Posted by Impermanence on January 24, 2005, at 22:26:48
In reply to Excercise Backfire., posted by Bob on January 24, 2005, at 12:13:41
If you can afford it you should join a gim and you will be assinged a personal trainer, they will gradually build you up and teach you how to eat properly. At first it's very hard, but as your body gets fitter it gets easier and actually enjoyable. In time you'll be a bag of energy and you'll look and feel great. Good personal trainers give you a great boost of confidence in the early stages when you feel like just giving up. Also if you take up a sport or an active hobby you basically exercise without even noticing you're doing it, it makes it alot easier. Whatever you choose, try to work up to at least an hours walk a day.
Exercise can be a miraculous cure for depression and anxiety, researchers have found that walking for 30 minutes each day quickly improved patients symptoms faster, than antidepressants typically do.
Copied:
Biochemical mechanisms - People suffering from depression have been found to have lower levels of endorphins in the brain. Exercise has been shown to increase the levels of these naturally occurring "hormonal mood adjusters" in the brain 11. It is also widely believed that exercise may indirectly result in the release of enkephalin, which in turn results in the feelings of euphoria occasionally experienced by athletes known as the "runner's high".Physiological mechanisms - Exercise has been shown to improve the body's adaption to emotional stress by increasing the efficiency of the adrenal glands and the autonomic nervous system. 12. Physical activity is also believed to inhibit some nervous activity at the brain causing an altered state of consciousness. The effect the exercise causes is thought to bring on the alpha state of consciousness that is associated with the relaxation state just before you go to sleep.
Psychological mechanisms - The single distraction of exercising can take your focus away from the problems of everyday life. Also, both during and after exercise, depressive symptoms, particularly anxiety, have been shown to be considerably reduced 13. Similarly, the feelings of mastery associated with heightened self-confidence that can occur during an exercise programme can alleviate depression. Regular exercise also enhances sleep quality which can, in turn, contribute to a reduction in the symptoms of depression.
Similarly, the social interaction resulting from playing a team sport or by regularly attending a fitness centre can bring enhanced feelings of meaning and value.
poster:Impermanence
thread:446790
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050124/msgs/447120.html