Dr. George L. Dixon - "Talking Fitness"

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Of course you don’t have any anxiety or depression hanging around your friends and family during the holidays. Neither do I, of course, nor any of my family. Well, not too much. But, if we do, the clear evidence that simple, moderately sustained physical exercise elevates depression and allays anxiety will certainly cheer us. Perhaps this article can comfort you too.

It is an astonishing fact that regular exercise can often be the equal of psychotherapy or drugs or relaxation techniques, especially with mild to moderate symptoms of clinical depression. Exercise is also a useful adjunct in severe depression.

Exercise is almost as efficacious in relieving most types of mild to moderate anxiety. A "dose" of exercise, preferable aerobic, can give 4 to 6 hours of symptom relief. More lasting relief can be expected with more lasting physical exercise.

It turns out that the more unfit you are and the more distressing your symptoms of anxiety or depression, the more likely it is that exercise will help you find relief.

What splendid control we can have over all the troublesome symptoms that accompany anxiety and depression. While, at the same time, we can increase our bodily health right along with our mental health. Perhaps the HMOs will soon allow exercise prescriptions with this in mind.(Don’t hold your breath!)

Think about starting your New Year exercise resolution now to smooth out your Happy Holiday season. Best wishes for the new millennium.

(Gifts of books or music or tapes to aid in exercising are usually welcome)

More help is available in "Exercise a la Carte", here, at your bookstore or call 800-624-4952.