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Depression Cure

Written by Larry Henley

Topic: Fitness and ExercisePublished November 9, 2010
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Approximately 10% of the US population suffers from some form of depressive disorder. Depression can be a debilitating and frustrating disorder, it can make you feel so tired you can’t get out of bed, or so angry you can’t socialize, or distracted and unable to focus on any task for any period of time. For some, depressive disorders can only be treated with medication, but for a vast majority of people with depression it can be well managed simply through exercise.

There are many reasons why exercise can help treat depression, and not everyone is going to have the same type of response, but in general, engaging in physical activity at a level that makes your heart beat even a little bit faster than normal, releases chemicals in your brain called endorphins which cause you to feel happier. The more active you are the more endorphins will be released and the better you’ll feel. There is also some evidence to suggest that exercise reduces immune system chemicals which are linked to worsening depression.

The trick with using exercise to treat depression is that once you’re in a depression it can be hard to motivate to start a new workout routine. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a full scale workout routine, you don’t have to start running laps or join a gym. Studies have shown that as little as 10-12 minutes of physical activity a day is enough to start releasing the endorphins and get you feeling better. That can be walking around your neighborhood, or walking a few blocks to a coffee shop and then staying to have a cup of coffee and then walking back. The other good news is that studies have also shown that 15-30 minutes of exercise can improve your mood for up to 12 hours. For most people getting started is the hardest part, but once that step is taken, it gets easier and easier to keep going because you keep feeling better. For more information please visit www.weightsmashers.com.

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About the Author

Larry Henley is head of internet operations and health consultant at http://www.weightsmashers.com an exciting fitness site that provides consumers with up to date information about weight loss. nutrition and diet plans.