By
Eric Dobberteen
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that
approximately 20.9 million American adults - nearly 10 percent of the
population - suffer from a depressive illness. While the economic cost
of depression is high, the cost in human suffering is incalculable.
Depression can interfere with a person's day-to-day functioning, causing
pain and suffering for the depressed as well as his or her family,
friends, and co-workers.
Living with depression has a negative effect on all aspects of a person's life. From the moment they wake up and struggle to get out of bed, to the agony of trying to fall asleep after a melancholy day of unproductive work, depression dominates every waking moment. There have been many drugs created over the years to help fight depression; the only problem with these "treatments" is that the side effects are often just as debilitating if not more so than being depressed.
There is now hope for people looking for an escape from the torment brought on by depression without resorting to drugs. Research shows that exercise can positively impact one's mental health.
According to "The Influence of Exercise on Mental Health" by Dr. Daniel M. Landers, Ph.D.
(originally published in the Research Digest as Series 2, Number 12, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports), the following correlation exists between regular physical activity and mental health:
"There is now ample evidence that a definite relationship exists between exercise and improved mental health. This is particularly evident in the case of a reduction of anxiety and depression."
An exercise routine incorporating various aquatic fitness techniques can be an excellent alternative treatment for symptoms of depression. A product which has become more popular in recent years are known as swim spas (resistance swimming pools). These state of the art hot tubs allow you to obtain a zero impact, total body workout, along with the mental and physical health benefits of water-based exercise all from the comfort of your own home.
The mental benefits of exercise are not limited to depression. Exercise can help relieve insomnia, can relieve stress and improve one's self esteem and self-image. The next time you are trying to come up with an excuse to skip a workout, just remember that not only will you feel and look better physically; your mental health should also significantly improve.
Living with depression has a negative effect on all aspects of a person's life. From the moment they wake up and struggle to get out of bed, to the agony of trying to fall asleep after a melancholy day of unproductive work, depression dominates every waking moment. There have been many drugs created over the years to help fight depression; the only problem with these "treatments" is that the side effects are often just as debilitating if not more so than being depressed.
There is now hope for people looking for an escape from the torment brought on by depression without resorting to drugs. Research shows that exercise can positively impact one's mental health.
According to "The Influence of Exercise on Mental Health" by Dr. Daniel M. Landers, Ph.D.
(originally published in the Research Digest as Series 2, Number 12, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports), the following correlation exists between regular physical activity and mental health:
"There is now ample evidence that a definite relationship exists between exercise and improved mental health. This is particularly evident in the case of a reduction of anxiety and depression."
An exercise routine incorporating various aquatic fitness techniques can be an excellent alternative treatment for symptoms of depression. A product which has become more popular in recent years are known as swim spas (resistance swimming pools). These state of the art hot tubs allow you to obtain a zero impact, total body workout, along with the mental and physical health benefits of water-based exercise all from the comfort of your own home.
The mental benefits of exercise are not limited to depression. Exercise can help relieve insomnia, can relieve stress and improve one's self esteem and self-image. The next time you are trying to come up with an excuse to skip a workout, just remember that not only will you feel and look better physically; your mental health should also significantly improve.
The author is the Digital Marketing Director for Appeal Media Interactive Studios LLC.
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