I hate running. I’m one of those people who end up tachypneic after running 2 minutes and would much rather sit on the couch eating chips and watching “Man vs Food” reruns. I’m from so-cal where running seems scarce in the city, but when I moved to Oregon, I saw everyone and their grandmothers running down each street I drove. As soon as the dark, rainy season came around, I discovered the reason why…
I’m used to sunny days and am normally a happy, smiley person, but the short and rainy days made me feel pretty miserable. I started staying home more often, socialized less, and got upset easily. I admit that I watch a lot of tv, but it wasn’t until I started watching “For the Love of Ray J” (no offense to those who like that show) that I knew I’d reached a new low. I talked to my fellow resident and he suggested running especially since studies have shown that running can work just as well as an antidepressant (check out an article below from 2008). So…I got my butt off the couch, bought a new pair of running shoes, and started running. It wasn’t easy. But, I have to admit– I feel ten times better.
Tip of the Day: Run, run, run!
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/DepressionNews/story?id=5627302&page=1
4 comments
I’d rather take an antidepressant!! lol j/k! I’m all about alternatives to medication….I’ve even resisted ibuprofen with my headaches lately..major whoa! Glad to know you’ve found ways to prevent SAD from striking…and, you kill two birds with one stone-fitness and happiness! 🙂
I completely agree with you!! I find exercise as a great alternative to an antidepressant. It energizes you and makes sure you don’t stay sitting on the couch eating chips while watching “For the Love of Ray J” all day!! =)
[…] Goodbye, Summer. Shorter days, raindrops on the window, dirt splattering onto my cream-colored slacks…just a few initial signs of gloomy Oregon weather. I’m already preparing for my period of weather-dependent laziness that starts around this time. I teach my patients some of the following simple strategies to feel a daily sense of accomplishment…or shed light on barriers towards accomplishing your goals (mine would be dark, rainy weather, which I documented here/): […]
[…] behavior doesn’t surprise me. Previous blogposts exhibit this behavior (here/) and I attribute the laziness to a recent move. My childhood memories relate the experience […]