If you want to feel better about yourself an effective, natural way to do so is to start an exercise routine. Studies have proven that exercise can help with the onset and effects of depression.

One of the reasons is the endorphins that your body produces offset pain with a natural high like effect similar to morphine.

Exercise can help you have a positive more optimistic outlook on life. The American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for exercise recommends at least 30 minutes a day five days a week These guidelines are considered the minimum amount of exercise needed to receive the health related benefits of physical activity.

My motto has always been, “Exercise can make a good day better and a bad day good.” I find this to be true not only for myself but for my clients. Think about when you’re life is spiraling out of control and whether or not during that same time if you were exercising. The answer is, probably not, because exercise gives you control. It is the jumpstart we get when we wake up each morning or the positive break at lunchtime. Exercise after a stressful day at work can change your mood.

In this day and age, stress from the economy is deteriorating our professional, physical, emotional and sex life. The benefits of exercise can switch your mood from melancholy to upbeat and help you feel stronger at work and revving up your financial game. Not to mention, the obvious benefits it will have on your health such as strengthening your hearth and muscles while lowering your body fat.

It will also affect your life skills such sleeping habits, dietary choices and stamina to complete chores. The emotional effects of exercise is a feeling of control which will leave you a little more clear minded to make rational decisions. When you exercise, you feel empowered and tend to have a positive body image. That positive body image will have you exuding more sex appeal which translates into a better sex life.

Of course, exercise is not the only answer for the millions of Americans who suffer from clinical depression. In that case it is important to seek out the help initially of a counselor or therapist. If your symptoms are severe, you should speak with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist about proper treatment.

Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her fiance, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.