Steps To Getting Fit With Depression

11 Dec Steps To Getting Fit With Depression

We all know that any exercise is better than none, and that a 10 minute walk can clear your mind and help you relax. So, let’s explore how you can get started with exercise for better peace of mind.

First, find an activity you like to do. Seems simple, right? Unfortunately, many people lose sight of things they liked to do and would like to try when they become depressed or even when they isolate from varying degrees of introversion. If you’re unsure of what you like, then experiment and try many things, even if they don’t feel exciting before you try it.

Second, find an activity you can do regularly. When you find something that you like, or might like, it’s important to make sure you can do it regularity. Not only because it’ll help you keep building interest, but because it establishes a pattern in your life and helps your brain produce serotonin and dopamine more quickly when it knows it gets to do something fun again. The simple act of consistency can’t really help elevate a mood.

Third, join a group. The benefits of group fitness cannot be overstated. Aside from the benefit of accountability, the encouragement a group can provide is immensely emotionally powerful. That along can be a huge boost to any low mood, but more than that is the relationships we build that can continue for many years.

Fourth, bring a friend! Whether you join a group or not, having a friend with you can make even the most boring workout a very entertaining experience. Plus, a friend is going to help boost your courage to try new things that might intimidate you.

Fifth, set your pace. Some people are an all or nothing type of personality and either need to dive in 1,000% or not do anything at all. That’s OK if that’s you, too, but make sure you pace yourself to fully understand the activity or workout you’re doing. If you take things at a slower pace, that’s OK, too! Just make sure that you do always stive to push a little beyond your comfort zone to know what your limits are.

Lastly, have fun. Exercise and fitness do not have to be a chore, and they certainly do not have to be boring. Make a game of your workout or give yourself a small reward when you complete a workout. Maybe you see how many more steps you can do than the day before, maybe you see if you can do just 1 more push up than your friend, or maybe it’s giving yourself a couple of pieces of chocolate for doing that 45 minute workout. Make it fun in a way that makes sense to you.

Whatever your journey might be, our trainers at Quest Fitness are here to help you get started and to help you continue on your fitness journey. Contact us at questfitnessgym.com for more information and to schedule your free flexibility assessment and fitness consultation today!