Exercise the Blues away
Dr. Karl Knopf
Author of Older Adult Fitness and Chronic Conditions Books at Ulysses Press
Student Handout
Compliments of FEOAA ? (408) 450-1224 www.fitnessempowermentofactiveadults.com
Exercising the Blues Away
By Carolyn Collman, MS, Health and Fitness Manager
You know that exercise is good for your physical body, but did you know it can also boost
your mood? Numerous research studies have confirmed that exercise is an antidote to both major and mild depression, responsible not onlyfor improving emotional they experience a higher energy level during the day, which in turn gives them more energy to exercise. Exercise can boost brain levels of serotonin, which helps assuage the anxiety that often goes with depression.
Many people prone to depression find that exer- cising first thing in the morning helps boost their mood and their energy for the rest of the day. A morning walk or swim can set the stage for an upbeat, energetic day. Many people find it harder to keep the blues away during the fall and winter months when daylight is at a minimum and weather is variable. Exercising throughout these seasons can help, as does getting outdoors for activity when possible.
While exercising cannot take the place of medication, in many cases it can be an important adjunct to a treat- ment program and may eliminate the need for anti-depressants in some cases of mild depression.