ExerciseExercise is not just good for your body, but also great for your mind! It can help with managing stress and the often accompanying side effects of depression and anxiety. In an article titled “The exercise effect,” Kristen Weir discusses a study on exercise and its effects on major depressive disorder conducted by James Blumenthal, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Duke University. The study involved several sedentary adults with major depressive disorder who were placed into four different groups: one who participated in supervised exercise; one who did home-based exercises; one that involved antidepressant medication; and a final group who were given placebo pills. After four months, Blumenthal found that the individuals in the exercise groups and those who were taking antidepressant medication had similar results: “Exercise, he concluded, was generally comparable to antidepressants for patients with major depressive disorder” (Weir). For a more in-depth look at Blumenthal’s findings and other interesting research on the benefits of exercising, check out the website here.
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With these findings, it can be concluded that physical activity can have the same effect on the brain as medication used specifically to treat clinical depression. So get out there and ride a bike, walk your dogs, chase your kids, dust off those rollerblades, join a fitness class or the gym, but just do something to help get your heart pumping to ward off stress, depression, and anxiety! The physical and mental results will be well-worth it. For helpful suggestions on developing an exercise plan for you, check out Summit Medical Group’s “Tips for Maintaining a Successful Exercise Routine"
“I find going to the gym to be stress reducing. For me, it's the opportunity to not think about anything but what I'm doing in that moment, moving the weight from one place to another. In the end, this is also a way to practice self-care mentally and physically. Besides the obvious benefits to the body and mind, there is also the knowledge that you are doing something good for yourself. |
The SACCMU’s Recreation Center is called the SAC, See website for schedule of fitness classes. If you are a GA, you will have to pay for a membership because you are not paying for your tuition. For those who are paying tuition, you can get in based on the fact you are paying tuition.
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Planet FitnessDefinitely the cheapest membership=based gym in Mt. Pleasant. Membership includes access to classes and even limited access to a personal trainer. It opened in spring of 2016, so all of the equipment and facilities are in great condition. Learn about membership and pricing here.
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Your Apartment?If you are living in an apartment complex, check and see if they offer a fitness facility! You may be able to use the complex’s facility as part of your belonging to the complex.
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OOOOOOOOMMMMMM: Yoga and You
“Yoga is just about the only time when my mind shuts up. In grad school, I put my brain through the ringer day in and day out. Yoga puts my body through the ringer, but in a calming and peaceful way, so my mind can take a little break.” Check out these local yoga studios or look into classes at the SAC to start feeling calm, relaxed, and strong both mentally and physically: Central Michigan University Recreation Center RedBloom Yoga Mt. Pleasant Hot Yoga OmBodies Yoga Studio and Boutique |
When I have gotten incredibly stressed out in the past, time after time, I have been told by friends, therapists, and doctors to try yoga. While yoga can be high intensity for sculpting and developing long, lean muscles, there are also less physically demanding classes in which you can concentrate more on stretching, breathing, and meditating: all which can help alleviate symptoms of stress. Harvard Medical School claims, “By reducing perceived stress and anxiety, yoga appears to modulate stress response systems. This, in turn, decreases physiological arousal—for example reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and easing respiration” (“Yoga for anxiety and depression”). As increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and shallow breathing are, in the case, related to stress and anxiety, with the stretching, breathing, and mindfulness involved with yoga, individuals may find themselves feeling more calm and less stressed.
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Heidi Ashcroft is a recent graduate of Central Michigan University’s English Language and Literature Master of Art’s Program. She lives in Midland, Michigan with her husband, Steve and their two dogs Rollie and Rudy. She enjoys walking with her dogs, snuggling with her dogs, and petting her dogs. She also enjoys the outdoors, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Central Michigan University respects the diversity of values and opinions held by members of its community. The views expressed on this page are those of the author and not necessarily those of Central Michigan University or its officers and trustees. The content of this page has not been reviewed or approved by Central Michigan University, and the author is solely responsible for its content.