Oh, exercise – that thing you know is so good for you but is so difficult to do when depressed. Movement isn’t just good for the physical benefits; research has shown that it can be just as effective as the leading medication and therapy treatments for depression in some cases. That’s why friends, family, and especially care providers keep recommending it.
The key to getting started with exercising when depressed is to start off small. Just get moving. If going for a walk is your goal and you’re stuck in bed, for instance:
Try not to judge, and instead celebrate each action you’re able to do. The movement & exercise resources below can help get you started, based on where you’re at.
If there is one app to download for exercising while depressed, it's this one.
- Choose workouts that are as short as 30 seconds, based on where you are (bedroom, living room, work, sitting, standing, etc.).
- Customize based on mood (relaxing, energizing, intense, or fun) and length of workout.
Exercise is one of the best tools on managing depression. The cruel irony, of course, is that depression makes it harder to exercise...thankfully, it’s not impossible.
Yoga For Depression is a 15 min yoga practice to help balance and restore both the physical and emotional body.
Intermediate/advanced level.
Yoga for depression
This is a video for any person suffering with depression and anxiety that would like to start exercising but not sure how.
This sequence is ideal for those who want to sneak in a quick yoga break or for those who are in healing and want to practice a little bit of opening with the support of a chair.
Chair exercises seated workout by Lucy Wyndham-Read
Finally, you can have a stronger core than before... Without needing to go to the gym or lay out a yoga mat.
By Goodful
This video is a Chair Stretch Flow Class. Seated Total Body Routine
Join Natalie Ikeman, PA-C from the HCMC Golden Valley Clinic while she takes you through a low-intensity seated cardiovascular exercise.
By eHowFitness
You don't need a gym or equipment to get a great workout! These 3 exercises can be done from a couch.
*Note- exercising for the sake of getting active and feeling better emotionally is encouraged (losing weight isn't the goal of the videos recommended on the CFD website)
These moves will strengthen your core and keep you awake in the morning.
Note- CFD did not name this video. We are in no way implying that you are lazy. You are doing the best you can. This video simply had great workout ideas.
The best time for me to get more flexible is right before bed.
Welcome to a fun and exciting workout, that you can do in bed! Yes, you can stay nice and warm while you do this routine and of course, stay in your pajamas too.
*Note- exercising for the sake of getting active and feeling better emotionally is encouraged (losing weight isn't the goal of the videos recommended on the CFD website)
Note- CFD did not name this video. We are in no way implying that you are lazy. You are doing the best you can. This video simply had great workout ideas.
Relaxing yoga routine in bed.
The information in the content on this website, or otherwise provided to you (“content”) does not constitute medical advice. The views, opinions, strategies, as the case may be, (“views”) expressed in the content are those of the respective authors and speakers, none of which are licensed medical or healthcare professionals. You should always consult your own medical or healthcare professional before starting or otherwise undergoing a course of treatment. Any examples used in the content are generic, hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. In no event shall Cereal for Dinner or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents be liable for any use of, for any decision made or action taken in reliance upon or for any inaccuracies or errors in, or omissions from, the information in the content.
Cereal for Dinner is not an emergency crisis service. If you or someone you support is in crisis, please visit the Crisis page for resources to access.
Cereal for Dinner is a tax-exempt non-profit. EIN: 88-2296508
Designed by Joseph DeChant