Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses that affect a large number of people in the world today.
But it can also be chronic feelings of low mood, anhedonia, and a host of somatic symptoms.
Although current methods such as counseling sessions and taking antidepressants are useful to a certain extent in dealing with depression, there is one tool which is not paid much attention to, and that is bodybuilding.
Weight training as well as performing some kinds of resistance exercises help to change the body shape, and at the same time, brings a lot of benefits for the mind.
There has been a lot of literature revealing on the positive effects of physical activity on mental health.
Exercise, particularly resistance training like bodybuilding, has been shown to:
1. Release Endorphins
A quality of physical activity is that it stimulates the production of endorphins which are Rolling Stones infamous ‘feel good’ hormone.
These natural painkillers and anti-depressants present in the brain ease pain and lowers feelings of depression.
2. Reduce Stress
These benefits of bodybuilding include that may be utilised as stress busters.
Due to the specificity of weight lifting, people can redirect their anger and stress into something productive, which bring the aspect of authority.
3. Improve Sleep
Physical exercise also helps in improving sleep which is usually irregular depending on the extent of depression.
That is why many people who suffer from a bad mood or have some mental disorders are recommended to sleep better.
Bodybuilding as a Balanced Training Programme
Another advantage of bodybuilding is the fact that it provides a regimen hence is rhythmic.
Exercise is known to help in providing an organised structure to one’s life and this is something that the depressed usually lack in their lives.
In this routine, discipline, accountability and learning by the progression of small steps apply and transferable to other parts of life.
Mindfulness and Body Awareness
Bodybuilding promotes attentiveness, a mental process whereby a person directs his or her consciousness towards a particular experience or object in the process of perceiving it.
During the exercises, the body of each person starts to become sensitive to the movements and even the breathing process.
Increased awareness of body sensations can be useful in distracting the mind with thoughts that are more positive in content.
