An Active Lifestyle Improves My Depression

My last few weeks have been incredibly active, and it has been great for my brain (Does Exercise Really Make a Difference?). I’ve been doing some home renovations and helping a friend prepare her store for her big fall opening, working early mornings and late nights. Throughout the active weeks, my brain consistently felt more positive and less messy. I loved being active, and the little successes and physical activity involved with the weeks’ activities were beneficial in coping with my depression.

An Active Lifestyle Creates Lots of Opportunities for Success

Last week, I mentioned that practicing celebrating tiny accomplishments improves my general mindset, making me feel more positive and confident (Coping With Depression Improves With Practice).

Being active and busy was good for my brain because I had so much to do that daily successes were guaranteed. One day, my friend and I sorted nearly 300 sweaters, while the next day, we photographed a dozen handbags and posted them online with their sale information. There were so many successful moments, and I was constantly jazzed about a job well-done.

Physical Activity Is an Excellent Way to Fight Depression

Being busy can only be accomplished by being active. Physical activity and exercise is helpful in coping with depression, and the mere act of being busy is beneficial. There doesn’t have to be a huge goal for the end of the day, or a series of projects with some high value placed in them; simply spending the day actively is a positive use of my time.

For example, I spent one day last weekend doing nothing of high importance, just moving around. I woke up early and made breakfast, organized my home, wrote a to-do list for the next day, and did a bunch of things that I enjoyed. It was nice to spend the day moving around and not focusing too much on my brain.

Depression and An Active Lifestyle Requires Down Time Too

Staying active is good for me, but it is easy to get caught up in the act of being busy. I have to make sure that I still take care of my basic needs, and make time to relax. I am also careful to not take being busy to an extreme, because that creates unwanted stress.

My goal with an active lifestyle is to keep moving, put variety into my day’s tasks, and to value my time. And when I successfully balance activity with relaxation, I go to sleep knowing that I had a really good day.

Live an Active Lifestyle, but Don't Over-Stress

 

 
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