Often the last thing we want to do is get physical and move the body when we're sad, depressed, grieving. Although it feels counter-intuitive, the best thing we can do when feeling down is move. My recommendation is always yoga. Here's why :
1. You will have more mental clarity.
According to Harvard Health researchers have found that regular aerobic exercise appears to boost the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning. Remaining physically active means your mind will remain alert, sharp and clear.
2. You will be reminded that you are strong.
After the end of a relationship, this mid 30s aged woman described how yoga empowered her: “The running helped me remember ‘I am big. I am strong.' …In the beginning, I thought ‘I may not be able to control all these other things in my life, but I can control this.’ Then it became ‘Well, if I can control that, what else can I take back?’”
3. You will work out sadness.
Yoga and exercise in general always puts people into a better mood. Endorphins, which are structurally similar to the drug morphine, are considered natural painkillers because they activate opioid receptors in the brain that help minimize discomfort, explains J. Kip Matthews, PhD., a sport and exercise psychologist. They can also help bring about feelings of euphoria and general well-being, he adds.
4. You will control your weight.
Some struggling with sadness and depression are unable to eat and thus, lose weight. Many others, however, turn to food for comfort and thus, gain weight. Regular exercise will help control this issue increasing appetite so you can eat and burning calories if you over eat.
5. You will combat health issues.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Regular exercise helps prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, a number of types of cancer, arthritis and falls.”
1. You will have more mental clarity.
According to Harvard Health researchers have found that regular aerobic exercise appears to boost the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning. Remaining physically active means your mind will remain alert, sharp and clear.
2. You will be reminded that you are strong.
After the end of a relationship, this mid 30s aged woman described how yoga empowered her: “The running helped me remember ‘I am big. I am strong.' …In the beginning, I thought ‘I may not be able to control all these other things in my life, but I can control this.’ Then it became ‘Well, if I can control that, what else can I take back?’”
3. You will work out sadness.
Yoga and exercise in general always puts people into a better mood. Endorphins, which are structurally similar to the drug morphine, are considered natural painkillers because they activate opioid receptors in the brain that help minimize discomfort, explains J. Kip Matthews, PhD., a sport and exercise psychologist. They can also help bring about feelings of euphoria and general well-being, he adds.
4. You will control your weight.
Some struggling with sadness and depression are unable to eat and thus, lose weight. Many others, however, turn to food for comfort and thus, gain weight. Regular exercise will help control this issue increasing appetite so you can eat and burning calories if you over eat.
5. You will combat health issues.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Regular exercise helps prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, a number of types of cancer, arthritis and falls.”
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