The Monday blues can be hard, especially if you have a lot on your plate. Whether you’re just going back to work after the weekend or dealing with deadlines and other stressors, it’s understandable that many people find themselves feeling sad, anxious, or unmotivated on Mondays. However, exercise doesn’t just make you feel better in the moment; it can also improve your mood and mental health over time as well as prevent depression, anxiety, and other problems from ever manifesting in the first place.
Here are some ways that exercise helps your mind stay healthy and happy when Monday blues set in.
Mental Benefits Of Exercise
It’s no secret that exercise is good for your physical health. But did you know that it can also have a profound effect on your mental health? Regular exercise has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression. It can help to improve mood, reduce stress, and increase energy levels.
Many people feel better just by taking the time to get some fresh air and sunlight in their day! Studies show that people who work out regularly are less likely to experience symptoms of depression than those who don’t exercise at all.
Exercising may also make it easier for people with depression to take medication because they are feeling better overall. With so many benefits of regular exercise, it seems like there’s no excuse not to do something about your mood today!
Physiological Benefits Of Exercise
There are countless physiological benefits to exercise, including increased endorphins (which can help improve mood and decrease feelings of depression), improved sleep, increased energy levels, and more. Regular exercise has also been shown to improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and negative thinking.
In addition, exercise can also help alleviate the money blues by improving financial health and decreasing stress levels related to money. There is no shortage of scientific evidence that links regular exercise with a decreased risk of depression. But how does it work? And what type of exercises should you be doing?
Here’s what you need to know about overcoming depression through regular physical activity. A recent study found that moderate-intensity aerobic workouts like walking, jogging, or biking reduced depressive symptoms in adults age 55 or older by an average of 8%.
For those who had moderate or severe depression at the start of the study, this number rose to 12%.
To feel better faster and protect your mental health from future bouts of depression, set aside time each day for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise such as brisk walking. You can also try interval training which includes high-intensity bursts (such as sprinting) mixed in with periods of lower intensity (such as walking).
If getting outside isn’t an option due to weather conditions, try working out on a stationary bike or treadmill indoors. There are many apps available that provide customized workout routines and provide feedback on duration, distance traveled, heart rate, etc.
It’s important to note that even though there is promising research into exercise as a treatment for depression, some people may not experience any benefit from this form of therapy. However, if you’re suffering from milder forms of depression (such as persistent sadness), incorporating regular physical activity into your life may be worth exploring further.
Make sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new routine, but keep in mind that studies have shown improvement rates ranging from 50% – 80% when using exercise as a treatment for depression.
Find ways to make it enjoyable: Some people find that they enjoy exercising more when they join a team sport, while others might prefer solo activities like yoga or running outdoors. Try different things until you find something you enjoy enough to stick with over time.
One great way to make your workout less tedious is by listening to music or podcasts while you move! Studies show that the right tunes can make all the difference in terms of enjoying a workout session.
Exercise Tips For Depression
If you’re feeling down, a little exercise can go a long way. Here are some tips on how to overcome depression with exercise and other lifestyle changes that will help your mood and get rid of the Monday blues as well. how to overcome depression
1) Get your body moving by going for a walk outside or doing yoga poses in your living room.
2) Take up any physical activity such as swimming, cycling or running – it’s good both for your mind and body.
3) Spend time in nature – it has been shown to have anti-depressant effects.
4) Practice mindfulness – by taking time out each day to do nothing but breathe deeply and focus on the present moment without judgment or criticism, studies show it can reduce feelings of sadness and stress.
5) Practice self-compassion – when we judge ourselves harshly, we feel more depressed. Show yourself kindness and give yourself space to heal from the Monday blues.
Breaking Free Of Depression
Monday mornings can be tough. You might be coming off a weekend of relaxation and fun, only to be faced with a long week ahead. You may also be dealing with the Monday blues, feeling like you can’t catch a break financially. Whatever the case, getting rid of the Monday blues with exercise can help.
Exercise is just as important as eating well or drinking enough water. If you are exercising regularly, your mood will likely improve. In fact, when it comes to depression, people who work out have much lower rates than those who don’t work out at all! One study found that regular exercisers felt less depressed than non-exercisers and had higher levels of happiness and self-esteem.
Other studies show how exercise is key in reducing anxiety and stress by increasing brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. The endorphins released during a workout can boost the body’s natural painkillers called opioids. These neurotransmitters offer antidepressant effects, making us feel good after an intense workout.
With all these benefits, it should come as no surprise that depression rates are lower among people who exercise regularly than those who do not. If you are suffering from money blues, find ways to release some tension by working out! Whether you prefer cardio or strength training, there’s an activity for everyone (including beginners).
Final Thoughts
The next time you’re feeling a case of the Monday blues, consider trying out an Exerpy program. We provide a free trial to those who are interested!
Quinn
Quinn is a professional, multi-faceted writer with a background and professional knowledge base that spans many industries. He goes above and beyond in everything he does and has an attitude and mindset of perseverance and dedication.
