The Link Between Exercise, Neuroplasticity & Depression

We all know that exercise is good for the body. It promotes better overall health by controlling weight, blood sugar, and more. But, did you also know that it is great for our minds?

Exercising is a fantastic way to really boost your mental health. It helps to release feel good endorphins into the body. These endorphins are responsible for making you feel stronger and more mentally prepared. Exercising promotes feelings of calmness, no matter what type of workout is chosen.

An added benefit of exercising is that it can increase neuroplasticity in the brain and can also decrease depression symptoms. Keep reading to find out more about these benefits.

What Is Neuroplasticity?

Once upon a time ago, it was thought that the brain stopped developing after adolescence. However, thanks to modern science and technologies, we now know that this is not the case. In fact, our brains never stop growing and adapting.

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to restructure when there is a need to adapt. What does this mean? Our brains never stop developing or changing!

How Does Neuroplasticity Impact Depression Symptoms?

When someone is suffering from depression, they tend to have negative thought patterns. This maladaptive cycle just continues to spiral, causing the person to feel stuck and unable to feel better. How does this happen? It is believed that this is a result of impaired neuroplasticity connections in the brain.

It's scientifically proven that the brain can be re-wired, but how can you change these connections to help decrease symptoms associated with depression?

Exercise Can Re-Wire the Brain

When you are doing a physical exercise, you are increasing muscle strength, improving your overall health, and giving yourself a chance for better sleep.

Aerobic exercises, especially, can lead to stronger neuroplasticity connections. It helps to improve cognitive functioning such as learning and memory.

The most beneficial part of exercising, however, is how it increases neuroplasticity. Physical exercise helps to increase blood flow to the brain and promotes cell growth. That's right, not only are you working your body out to be healthier and stronger, but you are strengthening your brain.

Research shows that when there is an increase of blood flow and cell growth in the brain, depression symptoms are dramatically reduced. According to Harvard University, exercising can be just as effective as anti-depressant medications.

How To Get Started

Now that you know the connection between exercise, neuroplasticity, and depression, you may wonder how to begin. When you are going through a depressive episode, it can be challenging to find the motivation to do anything. Sometimes, just getting out of bed feels like a workout that leaves you feeling drained.

You don't have to run a marathon or do a HIIT workout to get the benefits of exercising. Even low-intensity workouts, such as walking or yoga can get those neurons in your brains firing away. Remember, you can always start off small. Go for a five minute walk out in nature. A short walk to the mailbox or around the block counts, too. It doesn't matter what you do, or for how long, as long as you begin somewhere.

Over time, as you begin to make exercising a daily part of your life, you will find that you can increase the amount of time you are working out.

Exercise Can Help You Feel Less Overwhelmed

Starting off small with exercise and establishing a daily habit can do wonders for your overall health and mood. Just by committing to 5 minutes a day of physical movement can help you establish a healthier lifestyle over time.

If you are struggling to find motivation because of depression, you aren't alone. Begin the journey of finding a way out of the darkness.Please read more about depression therapy. Contact us soon to get started.