Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.com
OK, maybe my headline fits better with old-time rock and roll than what you would expect in a blog on this topic, but the title is relevant for shaking off effects of depression.
I’m a word lover. One of my favorite old books is Webster’s New World Dictionary Second College Edition, Deluxe (Simon and Schuster, Inc., 1986). In that massive edition, I just found at least nine varied definitions for the word ‘shake’, including physical action – and figurative language or slang (e.g., ‘Shake it off’, and ‘Shake it up’).
The first part of that definition described physical action. That’s important because of what we know about the anti-depressant qualities of movement.
You may have heard this before – and here it comes again… decades of research show us that daily physical activity provides relief from depression just as well as some medications, and contributes to relief or prevention of several other major medical conditions. We can (and should) give the recommendation of getting 30 minutes of daily exercise serious consideration. That’s a prescription you can write for yourself (with your Dr.’s approval), and it doesn’t have to cost you anything but sweat equity.
Stacks of serious medical research back up that recommendation. There is a lighter side too. One study – done by the University of Leeds (Yorkshire, UK) was reported in the U.K.’s Daily Mail. After analyzing 25 fans of the city’s soccer team, over three Championship games, researchers found a 64% increase in heart rates – with some fans peaking at 130 beats per min (bpm).
Scientists are reported to have claimed those results equal to a ‘workout’ of going on a brisk walk for an hour-and-a-half.
In the U.K., the game of soccer is called ‘football’, and I would imagine those fans who got so worked up were cheering for teams they cared passionately for. That could have involved lots of physical action (jumping out of a seat, shouting, arm waving, etc.), rather than enjoying a leisurely game as passive spectators.
Still, sports fans may celebrate headlined findings that proclaim – watching football is good for you! Enjoy the good news, and the chuckle I hope it gave you.
Do remember that movement and exercise are good for us, and (seriously) do help to relieve the effects of depression. Music is a wonderful accomplice to exercise plans. After all, exercise does not have to be a grind of repetition. Dancing and other fun moves can all be effective – even football.
Want to try? Check out this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJFA5Bitv7w
Enjoy this rendition of ‘SHAKE’ by Mercy Me.
Shake off the doldrums, thank God that you can, then get up on your feet and Shake It Up Baby!
Blessings, Love, and Laughter to you.
PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS:
- What smooth moves could you (or have you) used to give yourself a lift?
- Do you prefer a structured exercise routine – or do you most often wing-it with something done for fun?
- Any suggestions for other readers?