Most of us at one point have been depressed including us hard working moms. Postpartum depression is serious. As a mother of twins I can easily see how depression can creep into our lives. Basically, we have no lives as our children, jobs, husbands, etc. basically take our time and it can be overwhelming.
Did you know that exercise has the same effect on you as Prozac. Doctors are quick to presribe these anti-depression pills, but won't tell you to exercise when studies have shown that exercise releases endorphins that effect your mood the same way as most anti-depressant drugs.
A study done by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) proved this. Here are the facts of the study.
* The study involved 40 adults ages 18-45 who were put into two groups. One group discontinued their physical activity program for two weeks while the other group kept on exercising.
* They were evaluated at the beginning, one week, and then at two weeks. After one week changes were already noticeable and after two weeks significant higher negative mood scores were recorded for those who stopped exercising compared to the group who continued exercising.
Before taking a pill for depression talk to your doctor about exercise first. It may be the drug that can help you on the right track!