what you can do
- Getting active (or rather, getting motivated to exercise) may be harder than it sounds if you’re depressed, so it helps to have a plan and to do things you know you enjoy. At first you may not find them as enjoyable as before, but it’s important to keep doing them anyway. Eventually the good feelings will return.
- Exercise does not necessarily mean joining a gym - it could be as simple as walking to the shops, mowing the lawns or even taking the stairs instead of the lift.
- If you plan to go out and get active, try doing it at the same time each day. It makes it more sociable, as you’re likely to meet the same people each time.
- Talk to your doctor about getting a Green Prescription. They will put you in touch with a person who will help you to find suitable activity options in your own locality, through sports trusts and other community agencies, and support you for a certain length of time.
- As your fitness improves, try gradually building up the intensity. Exercising vigorously for more than 30 minutes releases endorphins and these can give your mood an extra boost.
what others can do
When people are depressed, they often lose motivation and don’t have much energy. Sometimes they lose interest and pleasure in things they once enjoyed. This can make it really hard to do even normal everyday activities, let alone extra physical exercise. Be an understanding friend and encourage them to get active. The best way is to get in there and join them.
Exercise also provides a great opportunity for your friend or whanau member to get out of the house and socialise with other people.
Exercise also provides a great opportunity for your friend or whanau member to get out of the house and socialise with other people.
