It's undeniable that exercise has numerous benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. However, try to tell that to someone who hardly makes it out of the house because depression or anxiety ties them to the bed. They might be well aware of the positive effects and the 'feel-good' hormones, but the mere thought of working out can feel overwhelmingly impossible.
When most of us think of exercise, we conjure up images of people sweating on treadmills in crowded gyms or folks in flashy '80s workout gear bouncing around in front of their TVs. While these cardio workouts can indeed be fantastic for improving mental health, the reality is that if you've become a human burrito cocooned in your blanket, taking even a few steps can feel like a monumental task.
In such cases, trying low to moderate exercises like practicing yoga or gentle stretching right in bed can still provide significant benefits. If all you can manage is to lift your blanket and imagine yourself as a feather slowly drifting in the wind, that's perfectly fine too. Remember, any form of movement, no matter how small, is a positive step forward.
Moving the body means moving thoughts.
Do you want to learn more about exercise?
📚 "The Benefits of Exercise for the Clinically Depressed" by Lynette L. Craft, Ph.D. and Frank M. Perna, Ed.D., Ph.D.
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