Exercise

Do you know how many episodes of Andy Griffith, Family Ties, and Saved By the Bell episodes are on Netflix?

I can tell you. 249 episodes or 7,470 minutes of Andy Griffith, 156 episodes or 4,680 minutes of Family Ties, and 86 episodes or 2,580 minutes of Saved By the Bell.

A grand total of 245.5 hours of binge TV watching.

After being diagnosed with major depression, I spent 18 to 20 hours a day either sleeping or laying on the couch. Most of my day involved watching old TV show reruns on Netflix and eating ice cream and other unhealthy foods. This pattern of behavior lasted for about two to three months before I was ready to fight the battle.

Exercise is the dreaded word that continues to creep up at doctor appointments and counseling sessions. Exercise was the last thing I wanted to do during the depths of my depression. During the worst times, it was a good thing to be able to get off the couch or out of bed let alone make myself exercise.

I’ll let you in on a little secret. My doctor and therapist were right. Exercise was very instrumental to my recovery. When I would exercise, it would make me feel better. It still does.

Recently, in one of my counseling sessions, my counselor suggested me to create a list of three things I should accomplish everyday. The first thing should be exercise every day and it is a non-negotiable item. It is something that must be included in my daily schedule.

Many studies by scientists have proven increased recovery and less symptoms of depression in those who exercise daily.

Exercise releases endorphins which trigger a positive feeling in the body. This is known as “runner’s high”. Endorphins are produced by the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body and are released in response to brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Any form of exercise can help reduce the affects of anxiety and depression. Group exercise is recommended for the social support and accountability.

Exercise Suggestions: