The Benefits of Exercise to Your Mental Health

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Exercise does more than get your body in shape. It can help improve and stabilize you mood as well as increase your self-esteem.

Exercise is not a substitute for medical treatment but it can be an integral part in your overall recovery.

The benefits of exercise include:

Increased Confidence

When in a depressed state one often feels worthless and hopeless. Exercise helps by building a sense of accomplishment. In addition to helping you feel better physically you will be improving your sense of self-worth. Start with small goals to boost your confidence.

Distraction

Distraction is a great coping skill to keep you from dwelling on problems that may be deepening feelings of depression and low self-esteem. Exercise can distract your mind and help you focus on more positive things.

Interactions and Socialization

Instead of isolating, getting out for a walk or to a gym will give you the opportunity to interact with others even if it a smile or brief ‘how are you’.

Chemical Reactions

Exercise burns up adrenaline that increases anxiety as well as increases serotonin which increases relaxation.

Ask someone to exercise with you.

To motivate yourself to exercise it is important to be realistic and set small goals at first. You should check with your doctor before starting an exercise plan. Some ways to make exercise more enjoyable include:

Choosing activities that are enjoyable. You are more apt to stick with a program if you like it.

Don’t make exercise a chore but rather an opportunity. Look at it as part of your recovery goal.

Make it a lifestyle. Walk instead of driving or taking the bus. Climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator.

Set reasonable goals. Start small and be realistic.

Think about your barriers that would stop you from exercising and find ways around them.

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Opportunities in the Columbia, SC area:

In you have access to Ft. Jackson there are four gyms there: Andy's Fitness Center,

Coleman Gymnasium, Perez Fitness Center and Vanguard Gymnasium as well as indoor and outdoor pools with water aerobics. There is a charge for the classes.

The Drew Wellness Center, located 2101 Walker Solomon Way (near the intersections of Harden and Calhoun Streets), is a full gym with a pool and water aerobics. They offer

scholarships on membership fees according to income level.

Call Angela Clyburn at 803-545-3200 for more information.

The YMCA has three locations and offers scholarships based on income level.

Call 803- 799-9187 for further information.

The hardest part of exercising is getting started.

Once you begin to see the benefits you will find it easy to incorporate into your life.

by Candace True, Columbia SC, DORN VA Medical Center

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