What should you do when you’re having a bad depression day?
I just had a long call with a friend who was feeling down, and as much as talking helps…
…there is actually only one research-based depression treatment with an immediate effect on mood.
Yes, just ONE!
So, on a really bad, depressing day, that would be a powerful go-to strategy.
It’s physical exercise. “Exercise?! I’m too depressed to get off the couch!” I hear you say…
But it doesn’t have to be a spin class or a full two-hour gym session.
Practically any form of physical exercise will do.
It’s like having a piece of cake; it doesn’t have to be a huge slice to be satisfying; even a small portion will provide the nourishment you need.
I’m actually writing this with matcha cheesecake in front of me after some light exercise in the morning. Well, exercise is not the right word… more like physical labor, carrying around logs for a garden project. 😅
If you don’t trust me, trust doctors!
Dr. Andrew Huberman @hubermanlab continuously states how activated muscles send neurotransmitters to our brains that increase your mood – and they will only be released when you’re working out.
According to neuroscientists Dr. Julia C. Basso and Dr. Wendy Suzuki @wendy.suzuki, a wide range of workouts (from low-intensity to high-intensity) have shown immediate effects on mood, concentration, and stress levels.
In fact, a power walk is likely enough to lift your mood.
I even found a study from 2020 where Dr. Jin-Lei Zhao showed how resistance training, Yoga, and Tai Chi are also antidepressants.
Physical exercise is a powerful tool.
But when you’re in the depths of depression, it’s an enormous challenge to take on.
Almost like a cruel joke, you’re supposed to jump and jog your way out of the worst fatigue and lowest motivation you’ve ever experienced.
However, it is effective.
Force yourself off the bed or couch and move around a little bit, stretch your body, go for a walk to get moving and get sunlight into your eyes.
All of this helps!
It’s like putting a puzzle together – every piece helps, no matter how small.
A final thought… Remember to put your clothes on first!
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#livebydesign