What are you waiting for? Get up and get moving!! The world is standing in the wake of a pandemic. While we are sheltering in place, practicing social distancing and watching the news to better understand our next move; we need to get up and move. Although medication is prescribed to help decrease depression, in recent years, physical exercise has also been used to alleviate feelings of depression. Researchers also note that exercise can have a positive effect in decreasing symptoms of pain (Franzoni & Stein, 2019). It is important to understand that exercise may not replace the need for medication in individuals experiencing depression; however, it can help with decreasing symptoms. Here are a few easy ways to include more exercise in your day, while continuing to adhere to social distancing during COVID-19:
· Take a walk around your neighborhood
· Plant a garden
· Get up and dance to your favorite songs
· When watching your favorite show, walk in place during commercial breaks
· Zoom call your friends and exercise together
· Find exercise workouts on Youtube through channels such as Popsugar
· Download an exercise app and challenge your friends to join also
Challenge yourself by adding more exercise to your day!
*It is vitally important for individuals to consult with their physician before making any adjustments to medication and/or starting a new exercise routine.
If you are living with depression or any other mental health illness and feel that you need help, we are here for you. Renewed Mental Health wants you to feel free to reach out to us at 678-582-8947, in order to schedule a consultation. FYI, being that we are practicing social distancing, due to COVID-19, telehealth services is available.
Until next time, live on purpose.
VaVa
Franzoni, Leandro, & Stein, Ricardo. (2019). Moderate Exercise Improves Depressive Symptoms and Pain in Elderly People. International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences, 32(6), 563-564. Epub November 28, 2019.https://doi.org/10.5935/2359-4802.20190094