Sound Body Sound Mind

"Depression hates a moving target. A little bit of exercise every day helps to keep the mind at bay." Brad Stulberg, author and well-being coach

This quote has stuck with me for a good time now. 

For many people, lacing up their running shoes can take them on a journey out of a dark place in their lives. Regular movement can help prevent, manage, and even treat depression. The same is true for anxiety where the reasons could be biological (chemicals in the brain), psychological (confidence), social (community), or some reasons still unknown.

Intrusive thoughts and feelings are stubborn. This is why "think positive" usually fails. Carving out at least 20 minutes of physical activity into your day helps. Even if it feels like you are forcing yourself or just going for a walk. The idea is to show up and do it regularly. One mantra that always holds true is “mood follows action”. You don’t need to feel good to get going, you need to get going to feel good. Sometimes you have to get out the door for a run or a walk and then your thoughts and feelings will eventually catch up. Don't wait for the motivation to be there before you act.

“If I’m down or in a rut, I force myself to move my body, even if only a little bit. This helps shift my perspective and reset my operating system and more often than not, the sun starts shining again”. Rich Roll , author and ultra-endurance athlete

There must be some science behind this if all articles and books point in this direction. As we face our fears, we develop a different relationship with them and learn to let them go. Running offers a gateway into this. An important question to ask is “What is my reason?” If its enjoyment, freedom, time out from the demands of life or to develop strength, then running can be a good way of developing positive qualities. Running can also form a part of treatment because it allows you to develop a plan, to build activity back into your day and gives you some short-term goals to work towards each day. It gives you a sense of achievement, connection with others, enjoyment and makes you physically fit. In the long term, running lowers depression, generalised anxiety, helps improve self-esteem, enhances sleep and boosts brain health.

It is very important to note that exercise is not a cure-all for mental health. For some people it can be enough. For others it is not. It is probably best thought of as a tool in the toolkit which includes therapy, medication, nutrition, and sleep hygiene but it is not prescribed enough.

Physical movement should be considered a part of everyone’s job, even if they don’t consider themselves an “athlete”. Whatever your "job" may be, whether an athlete, writer, executive, founder, parent, or musician, think of exercise as a part of it. Too many people neglect exercise because they see it as something separate from their main work. Exercise is a foundational habit which will help in just about anything that you do.

"We all know that exercise makes us feel better, but most of us have no idea why. We assume it's because we're burning off stress or reducing muscle tension or boosting endorphins, and we leave it at that. But the real reason we feel so good when we get our blood pumping is that it makes the brain function at its best, and in my view, this benefit of physical activity is far more important and fascinating than what is does for the body. Building muscles and conditioning the heart and lungs are essentially side effects."  Excerpt from the book "Spark" by Dr. John Ratey, MD.

Many esteemed philosophers, from Kierkegaard to Thoreau, held their daily walk as something sacred, the key to generating new ideas. "Methinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow." Thoreau famously penned in his journal.

In ancient Greece, when Althenian culture was flourishing and at its peak, Plato and his contemporaries didn't separate physical from intellectual education and development. Sound mind and sound body go hand in hand.

Did you know that according to a study, the mental health of Norwegians doesn’t dip in winter. Getting outside for a run even in bad weather can help you feel that winter isn’t limiting your opportunities for recreation. Researchers found that a positive winter mindset was linked with greater life satisfaction. 

Exercise ought to be prescribed more seriously in treatment protocols, in the same way that talk therapy and medication are.

As Mark Twain said “It is easier to stay out than to get out”. Get outside and get going. Mood follows action. Give yourself this gift.