How exercise is twice as effective as antidepressants
I also experienced typical menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and irregular periods (none for 5 months, then 4 in 6 weeks), but that was the thing that affected my life and my family’s life the most. What I felt like I was giving was related to my mood. . I became alert, stressed and emotional and started having panic attacks out of nowhere.
At the same time, despite a lifetime of inactivity, something inside me was telling me that I urgently needed to move. I had always hated exercise and had been self-conscious about my curvy body and lack of coordination ever since the trauma of comprehensive school PE, but suddenly it became the only thing that could help me. I was overwhelmed by what felt like an almost primal urge to get healthy and strong. So we weren’t surprised by a surprising new study showing that regular exercise is twice as effective as antidepressants.
Science shows that running several times a week is the most effective way to treat depression symptoms, improving symptoms by 63% (compared to 26% with antidepressants). My approach was a classic one. I downloaded the Couch to 5K app. This transitioned him from short running/walking intervals to regular running in a matter of weeks (and led him to run the London Marathon four years later). .
It was hard at first, but once I got hooked, the physical and mental benefits of Joe Whyley’s audio outweighed the blood, sweat, and tears. But if just the thought of huffing and puffing in the park makes you break out in a cold sweat, that’s not your only option. More gentle activities such as walking, dancing, strength training, cycling, and yoga were all found to have better effects. All of these are more effective than drugs and are especially beneficial for menopause and can also help with physical symptoms.
What I think is interesting is why Exercise feels great when your hormones are out of balance. How much of exercise is physical and how much is mental?Dr. Rachel Hynes, Clinical Director Online menopause clinic Stella, say it’s a combination of both. “Exercise has a chemical effect because it promotes the release of serotonin, which helps manage mental health symptoms,” she explains. “It also has psychological benefits, as it can provide a sense of accomplishment, reduce stress, and improve sleep, all of which improve mental health symptoms. Outdoor exercise is particularly beneficial.”
This certainly agrees with me. No one is more surprised than me that I can now happily pound the pavement in the pounding rain and even wake up before 6 a.m. on summer days to beat the heat. . Because the physical discomfort is quickly offset by how comfortable you are. It makes me feel. You’ll feel more creative, productive, and satisfied after exercising. The only problem is, like with any addiction, if you go a day or two without exercise, everyone will know.
