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Depression and Exercise

  • anonymous Asks ...
    anonymous

    Is something like yoga better for a person who battles with depression or something like aerobics classes better, assuming you could only pick one to do?

  • Dr. Lani Chin Says ...
    Dr. Lani Chin

    Thank you for your post.  I will do my best to try to answer your question.

    Good for you for trying to find a way to decrease your depression.  Yoga and aerobics are both great forms of exercise that have different benefits.  Yoga is good for taking deep breaths and helping you to stay in the present moment (mindfulness).  I personally recommend yoga for people struggling with anxiety, but there are skills anyone can benefit from.  Aerobic exercise is great for staying active and both will help get your endorphins going which is a natural antidepressant.  Before starting with either practice, I would recommend you see a medical doctor to make sure it is safe physically for you to pursue.  Seeing an individual therapist would also be a great addition to address the underlying issues that are a part of your depression.

    I wish you the best of luck.  If you are in the Los Angeles area, I would be happy to help you further: www.drlanichin.com.

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