Dear the Couch Potatoes and Inactive Citizens of the World

Did you know... Exercise is not only for physical health! That is correct! Exercise has been proven to also help improve your mental health as well as physical health.

I remember when I was in high school, I would lay on the couch and do nothing for the majority of my free time. I was fairly active in high school through cheerleading all four years. Cheerleading took up a good portion of my schedule. But, I also remember how I felt after practice, energized and recharged.

After a long day of sitting in classes that I honestly did not really care for, I then had to go to practice. I would dread going to changing into my practice clothes and stretching. But, after practice I felt on top of the world. Physically, I was exhausted, but mentally, I felt unstoppable. So--why did I feel this way? What happened during practice to make me feel unstoppable?

I don't want to get you all lost with big science words (unless you love science like me) so I will try my best to keep it simple. With ADHD comes anxiety, however, the article I read over referred to depression and anxiety. The article comes from the Mayo Clinic. Now, keep in mind that I am not saying this is a cure for either of these, but exercise is simply a tool to help with the symptoms of them.

On a science note, the article states that exercising helps to release endorphins (I always think of Legally Blonde when this word comes up). Endorphins are a chemical in your brain that help you to feel "happier," or "better," all around, it's a good chemical to have too much of in my opinion. The article describes it as, "natural brain chemicals that can enhance your sense of well being." Exercise can also help to shift your focus from what you might be dealing with to the physical activity you are performing, easily taking your mind off the issues.

Another article from the American Heart Association, defines physical activity as, "anything that makes you move your body and burn calories." Then the article gives examples about daily household activities you can do that are considered to get someone physically active. You do not have to go to gym and lift weights or be able to run six miles in order to exercise. It can be anything that gets you moving!

I asked my friends to share some personal stories if they felt comfortable, here are their stories;

Taylor; "For me, the depression I've experienced in the past is not really intense, or "deadly," for me it usually lasts about a week, where all I do is feel sorry for myself and dream of what it would be like for others if I wasn't there. This makes me sit in bed and sulk, not get a shower, not put on makeup, I don't even try to feel better. That's how it went, until recently; I've gotten a gym membership! I've been trying to go at least twice a week, (full body work out and ending with cardio). When you work out there are hormones sent to your brain and throughout the body that boost your mood! The sweat and red flush to your skin after a workout adds to it as well. As you can see, going to the gym has been a huge advocate for my happiness lately."

Kailey; "I was first diagnosed with depression in January of 2017. I left college due to medical issues, and later found out that it was more serious than we thought. When I left college in December of 2016, I was heart broken. When June rolled around my medical issues continued. After many specialist I was diagnosed with something called 'Limited Diffusive Scleroderma,' an auto immune disease than can be deadly, by crippling you bones and/or insides, or very faint. That made my depression worse knowing that my life could change at any second.

On October 31st my boyfriend and I got invited to a party. I told my self I was going to drink until I wouldn’t have to wake up the next morning. And that, I did. I only remember one thing that night. I was laying on pavement, I gasp for air and open my eyes and see my mom praying over me, I woke up the next morning to my dad holding my hand. When he saw me open my eyes he cried. He knew instantly what my intentions were that night.

What made me realize that my life was important was the reaction my family and boyfriend had when they told me I was almost dead. I knew then I had to do something.I refused anti depressant medications, I tried therapy, new friends, drawing. Nothing worked. But then one day after a long night of work I came home and saw an ad online explaining how yoga releases stress. So I looked up some videos and began my first at home yoga class.

The amount of relaxation I felt was amazing. I felt, peaceful. I began to do it every morning that I worked and found out that not only was this taking my mind off of everything, it was also beneficial to my disease. That really helps a lot when your disease has no cure. I was able to enjoy life again after finding something so simple to take everything of my mind and shoulders. Yoga. Who knew that yoga could save someone from drowning in a dark pool of depression."

Some exercises to do at home could be walking up and down the stairs, walking the dog, cleaning the bathroom, mowing the lawn, and even just simple stretches and breathing, like yoga. Exercise is much more than just a person's physical health. It can have many benefits for people mentally as well.

Again, I am not saying exercise will cure anything, but it can simply help suppress symptoms that come with depression and anxiety.

Until next time,

Another ADHD Student