Depression and Being out of Shape – How to Start Working out Again

by: Stefan Simonovic

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Being mindful from one moment to the next about what we do is key to staying healthy both physically and mentally. Unhealthy habits that threaten to permanently damage our health need to be eliminated or at least brought down to an acceptable level. Not surprisingly, this is much easier said than done, but there are still little tricks we can use to direct our minds towards constructive behaviour, such as getting back in shape. Follow our tips and tricks for embracing physical activity, and ditch BBW dating for good (not that we have anything against it per se).

1: Choose The Right Activity

Going for a swim every morning to the hippest pool in town where everyone’s got a perfect tan and out-of-this-world physique is probably not the greatest idea to start with, but ditching the car every chance you get and walking most certainly is. The same goes for the elevator, escalator and any motors that transport you from point A to point B. Walk after work with a friend who is crazy for long hiking tours and give yourself little missions that are best achieved by walking. Once you start to feel like you need more exercise, consider introducing cycling or actually joining the gym.

2: Points for Cycling

Cycling is not only popular right now so you’ll be super trendy seen on two wheels (again, sans motor), but it’s also great cardio. It will get your heart rate going and you’ll break a sweat, kicking off a whole range of reactions in the body, starting with the increased production of happy hormones that will make you feel better almost instantly. Needless to say, you’ll develop quads of steel and your stamina is bound to increase. Your entire body will thank you, starting with your metabolism which will see a boost, followed by your immune system, which will be better equipped to fight off infections.

3: Reaching Gym Level

Fighting depression and getting back into shape doesn’t mean focusing on just one activity, but actually building new habits in your life around different physical activities, such as walking to get a manicure instead of driving, and ditching the car for a bicycle every chance you get. At one point, you’ll feel like your walking and cycling are just not enough, and you’ll love this point so. This is precisely where you’ll wish to join a gym, take up tennis or check out the schedule down at the pool. Also, you’ll lose weight as well, so it will be time for shopping for new (oh so sexy) gym clothes and activewear. Not only will you start to feel better about yourself and your fitness level, but you’ll want to show your improvements and fruits of your hard labor to the world.

4: Sticking To Your Routine

Leave little cues around the house before it’s time to hit the gym, such as a gym bag hanging on the doorknob of your front door, and once you actually complete your workout, reward yourself for following through by playing your favorite song loudly or giving yourself a 20-minute time-out from your daily cares. If you happen to miss the gym one day, don’t be too hard on yourself because in the grand scheme of things, that one day is meaningless compared to what you’ve already achieved, and the heights you have yet to reach.


About the author:

Stefan is a writer and a blogger in his spare time. He also works for First Beat Media, a company that mainly focuses on the online dating niche and similar services.