Whether it’s SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or just a regular old mood disorder depression, one way to combat the sadness is with exercise. Many of us do not like to workout, especially when we are depressed, but studies do show it is an effective tool in battling the blues. Here are 3 mood boosting low impact workouts to try right at home:
1. Yoga
There are many techniques to yoga that don’t involve complicated poses or even a mat. The first step involves controlled breathing. Lynn Louise Wonders, a yoga teacher and the owner of the Yoga Room, in Marietta, Georgia advises, “Breathe in through your nose to the count of five. Hold for two counts, then exhale through your nose to the count of five, emptying your lungs completely.” She also recommends “Look for a beginner’s class with a qualified instructor (find a studio through the Yoga Alliance Registry; yogaalliance.org).” For home practice, try Yoga for the Rest of Us with Peggy Cappy. Amy Weintraub, founder of LifeForce Yoga and author of Yoga for Depression, describes in her new book Yoga Skills for Therapists “powerful techniques, which are not always included in yoga classes, including breathing exercises (pranayama), easy meditations, and hand gestures called mudras that empower one to self-regulate one’s mood and develop increasing feelings of self-efficacy and control.”
2. Cycling
Stationary cycling can get your heart rate up while limiting impact on joints. Energy levels have been shown to increase after a single 30-minute cycling session. “The cycling seemed to activate brain neural circuits that make a person feel energized,” says Patrick O’Connor, a professor of kinesiology at UGA. “We tend to think of physical activity as being tiring, but in fact physical activity adds energy to our lives,” says Kate F. Hays, Ph.D., a clinical and sport psychologist in Toronto. Another study has shown cortisol, stress hormone, levels will drop after just 15 minutes of stationary pedaling. For more information see Bicycling Can Sharpen Your Thinking and Improve Your Mood; Riding a bike is good for your cognitive health and emotional well-being. Posted May 26, 2015 on Psychology Today. For a summary of information see What are the health benefits of cycling? Posted by Bikemunk.
3. Weights
No, I’m not talking about becoming a gym rat with bulging biceps. I’m talking low intensity weight training. It’s something that can be done while sitting on the couch watching TV. Light strength training can get blood flow through your muscles and help you feel stronger. Not having dumbbells isn’t an excuse for not trying these exercises. Cosmo magazine has compiled a list of household items that can be used in 17 Household Items That Work Just as Well as Weights. Try starting with just two sets of twenty repetitions. If it’s too easy, either increase the weight or try a body-sculpting class at a local gym or a DVD (like Step-by-Step Strength Training, With Petra Kolber). Skip a day between workouts so your muscles have some time to rest.
Exercise classes can also be a good choice for people battling depression. Classes can give a feeling of belonging as well as help to build relationships. As always, before starting physical activities you are not used to doing, talk to your doctor. More than likely they will be happy with your wanting to exercise, but you may have to start more slowly if you haven’t done it in a while.