“People often complain that they don’t have time to do good things for themselves. They won’t take a few minutes each day and devote it to their well-being. They don’t eat, sleep, exercise or think right for their own over-all good. What if it didn’t take all that long to make and get some profound benefits? Would you do it?

The New York Times,  May 9, 2013, reported  on the ‘Scientific Seven Minute Workout.’ That’s right 7 minutes! You use your own body weight, a chair and a wall! Most people could find 7 minutes. Can’t you? Give it a shot, take seven minutes in your day to feel better.

If you can’t do the exercises recommended in the article there are other things you can do.  Health experts have suggested taking the stairs instead of elevators. Stand up for a few moments every hour. Park further away and walk into the store or restaurant. While a period of dedicated exercise has benefit finding more time to move during the day has benefit too.

More people take better care of their cars than their bodies. They put better fuel in their tank than fuel in their body. It is time to start taking care of ourselves. Don’t skimp on the only body you have. AND it is not just your body it is your mental and emotional health too. Exercise has great effect on the entire person. Do it!

Research has demonstrated that exercise is a proven effective strategy in overcoming depression.  One study from Psychosomatic Medicine, 62, 633-638 found that 3 groups of patients used medication,  a combination of medication and exercise and exercise alone to treat depression.

All three groups experienced similar improvements in the beginning of the research. However, the follow up months later proved to have some different dramatic results. These are important to note. You do not have to be depressed to experience the benefits noted.

Of those who had been prescribed medication alone 38% had slipped back into depression 6 months later. Those who were prescribed medication and exercise fared slightly better at 31%.

The group who only utilized exercise as treatment relapse rate was just 9%. The biggest and long lasting change came when patients used only exercise to manage their emotions. There may be another reasons for this positive change.

Exercise proved beneficial for the 2 research groups. The reason the ‘exercise only’ group may have the better results IS due to getting exercise and the experience of being in control of their changes. Being in charge is a significant predictor of positive outcomes. Because they are in control they are able to initiate and maintain the results.

This means this group had to be self initiators. They could not and did not rely on an outside element or ingredient to assist them. They did it by themselves. They just had to make themselves do the exercise and this alone has positive implications and benefits. Thus, they were able to continue whereas the others did not.

The efficacy of medication has been called into question in a number of studies. It is reported to be less effective than placebo in some research. This indicates that it is not the medication that may be effective but the Placebo Effect or the belief that it has some benefit. Still, it is frequently recommended in conjunction with therapy or other practices even though by itself it may have no merit.

I am not a doctor and am making no medical recommendations. I do find all the research in this arena worth looking into. I think finding those practices that provide the individual the most benefit make the most sense. Ultimately, each of us must come to our own well-informed conclusions.

The important news for everyone IS you don’t need to be diagnosed as depressed to improve your mood and feel happier. Exercise helps your brain grow healthier, it releases important hormones for well being, it helps you feel better, think better, relax more and sleep better.

If you can take more time to exercise then take it. Do something positive for yourself because you will be glad you did. Walk for  at least 20 minutes. Do this two times a day if you are able. An uninterrupted hour daily walk outside is even better. Make a schedule to include your own mental, emotional and physical fitness.

Thinking and feeling better is easy when you will devote some time to it! Find a way to manage your time to engage in healthy practices. If nothing else go out on your lunch break and take a stroll. Walk, jump, skip, run, stretch, skateboard, anything that gets your body moving. Dedicate yourself to your own well being. ” Rex Sikes

What positive daily practice will you commit to today?

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