Depression and mental health issues can be caused by multiple factors that are both environmental and genetic. Whatever the cause, there are still several beneficial exercises that can help you alleviate some of the symptoms associated with depression and boost your overall mood. Here are five great exercises to try when feeling low in your mental health:
Meditation:
Meditation has been clinically proven to improve one’s mental state since it helps focus on individual well-being and takes the mind away from negative thoughts or stressors. Additionally, meditation has also been linked to increased self-awareness, which can help identify which factors worsen or improve one’s mental state in order for improvement to be made.
Yoga:
Not only does yoga provide physical rewards such as improved flexibility and a strong core; but it also is an effective way of relieving stress in the body. Many poses positively engage the mind with breathing exercises aligning with body movement for increased stimulation Apart from this it is known to calm anxiety and worries, ultimately improving your mood through clear thinking.
Running and Aerobic Exercises:
Running has long been a great way of improving moods due to endorphin increases during activity and allowing for tranquil moments spent alone or with friends enjoying nature’s beauty. Aside from running, other forms of aerobic exercise like swimming and cycling have also shown significant improvements in individuals with depression regarding their sleep patterns, focus level as well as general motivation toward life.
Dancing/ Zumba:
Dancing has been used as an integral part of numerous cultures across history as an avenue for expression not limited by language barriers; hence its effectiveness in lifting one’s spirits along with physical exercise taken part in group sessions provides social interaction often necessary for maintaining equilibrium among depression patients. The liveliness involved in Latin-based dances makes the sessions even more rewarding while they feel energized simultaneously.
Gardening/ Plant maintenance:
Gardening has often been linked to relaxation through exposure to nature but is also beneficial due to the physical motion required involving bending down or reaching up for plants making them adaptable for all levels of mobility concerns found among depression patients who might feel too drained or unmotivated otherwise yet want meaningful engagement within their environment without feeling overwhelmed by intensity or meaningless conversations typically met within social gatherings. Moreover, gardening provides tangible results rewarding you after painstakingly nurturing these vulnerable creatures into something beautiful enhancing a sense of accomplishment like no other activity could.
Go for a walk –
Taking a brisk walk or light jog around the block is an excellent way to get some fresh air and boost your mood quickly. Even if you live in an area with limited outdoor space, walking up and down the hallways or on an indoor track will still give you the same benefits as taking a lap outside. Not only will this exercise give you a chance to clear your head and reduce stress, but it will also help improve your physical health too.
Do a yoga session –
Doing yoga is an effective way of boosting your mind-body connection – which has been scientifically linked with improved mental health. Whether it’s a gentle stretching class or something more intense like vinyasa flows or power yoga, any type of yoga practice can provide both relaxation and physical benefit.
Take a bike ride –
Bike rides provide great exercise with little impact on joints, so they make for an excellent alternative cardio activity for those with joint issues like osteoarthritis. Additionally, spending time outdoors offers natural sunlight exposure, which has been proven to boost serotonin levels in the brain which leads to improved mental well-being.
Lift weights or do resistance training (at home.) –
Boredom is one of the most common causes of bad moods so why not try strength training? Grab some dumbbells or kettlebells (or use household items as makeshift weights) and get moving. This may be especially useful if you cannot access gyms because lifting weights helps to release endorphins into the body which lifts our spirits and boosts our energy levels afterward.
Stretch & meditate –
Combining stretching with meditation is another great way to boost endorphin levels while aiding in relaxation at the same time. Stretching helps relax tense muscles while lengthening them and releasing tension stored in them while reducing pain felt throughout our bodies;. In contrast, mediation helps us identify feelings which can lead us towards identifying solutions ourselves before seeking external guidance from others if we need it later on.