Day 25 of 31 days of depression.
I’ve saved this one toward the end because even though I know exercising helps, it’s the hardest one on the list for me when I am feeling down.
Exercise is important, we all know that but it also affects the part of the brain that controls mood. Going for a quick walk can boost your mood! And it’s good for the body. Double win!
But how do you get the exercise in when you don’t feel like functioning at all? Baby steps. I’m a big fan of them. Start small. Figure out when you can slip away for 5 or 10 minutes and go for a quick walk around the neighborhood or down the road.
Go alone for a little quiet time or call a girlfriend who can help motivate you. I like the time by myself but am much more likely to go with a friend. The distraction of getting in some chat time is priceless. If you know you won’t do it on your own, ask someone to help you.
When you get back from your walk, take a mental note of how you feel. Tuck it away for the next time!
Do today:
- Memorize this scripture: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Get moving! What will you do? Walk, run, lift weights, Zumba?
- Writing Prompt: Make a list of things you’d like to accomplish physically. Do you want to be able to walk a marathon? Make some goals. When you are done exercising, journal how you feel when you are done. Look back on this on the days you don’t feel like doing it. Don’t forget to write what you are thankful for and act on it. *If you would like a safe and free place to write, try this online journal at Penzu. It is password protected and you can even encrypt the journal if you need to. You can also use a fake name and junk email address for further protection. This way no one at home finds your personal diary entries.
- Pray: Lord, I know I need to take care of my body. It is your temple after all. Please help me find the motivation to get moving. In Jesus Name, Amen.
To purchase this song: I Am New
The next 31 days we will be discussing depression and healthy ways to combat it but we’re going to get real too. Because for those of us who wind up in the pit often, we know platitudes and fluff pieces do nothing for us. My expertise is only based on my own very personal battles with depression and is no way, professional or medical advice. Your participation in this series is voluntary and Melinda Todd is not legally responsible for any choices or actions of participants. Participants release Melinda Todd and Trailing After God from responsibility and liability and continue at their own risk and discretion.
This one is hard for me too. I don’t know why. I feel great afterwards and it does lift my spirits but it’s the actually doing it that I struggle with.