As daylight savings time rolls around and the weather becomes cooler, it is easy to dismiss the thought of exercise, especially at the end of the day.  It is important to stay active in the late fall and winter months for mental benefits, as well as physical.   Aerobic exercise prompts the release of mood-lifting hormones, which relieve stress and promote a sense of well-being.  The repetitive cycle of muscle contraction and release that takes place in yoga, or in aerobic pursuits such as walking and swimming, increases the level of the brain chemical serotonin, which combats negative feelings.  Indeed, there's reason to believe that physical activity might have a positive impact on a number of mental illnesses, including sleep and eating disorders, dementia, substance abuse, and personality disorders.  But the most thoroughly studied in this regard are depression and anxiety disorder.

A series of studies has examined the role of regular activity in preventing depression.  One such investigation, involving 2,084 men and women age 65 or older, found that among participants who initially reported symptoms of depression, after three years, those who walked daily had a third fewer symptoms.  Men tracked in the Harvard Alumni Health Study showed similar results.  Those who burned 1,000 - 2,500 calories per week in aerobic activity lowered their risk for depression by 17%.  When participants' weekly energy expenditure topped 2,500 calories, their chances of experiencing depression dropped by 28%.

So as Jack Frost is lurking around the corner begging us to sleep and eat more, remember to get enough exercise to combat these feelings of depression and lethargy in the coming months.  Your body and mind will thank you for it!

Valerie Foland

Ride it, Climb it, Run it.

Life is Good!