Felling blue? One of the most powerful things you can do for yourself is to exercise—in addition to your whold body vibration (WBV) program. WBV is more like weightlifting than aerobic exercise, and you should start with just a little (see chapter 2), so adding other types of exercise to your plan is an excellent idea. Exercise itself raises three major feel-good neurotransmitters in your brain—serotonin, dopamine, and beta-endorphins. Our bodies are made to move—every part of you will get a jump start, improving many aspects of your health. You will look and feel better—all big boosts for your self-esteem. Be sure to do your whole body vibration every day, though, because even just standing on your vibration machine for a few minutes will give you energy, pain relief, and motivation, making it easier to get out there and move your body.
Twice a day, even if it is just for ten minutes—get your body and blood moving. You can exercise in your own home—a big plus in pandemic times—or outside or in a gym. Almost any type of exercise—walking, biking, running, tennis, dance, swimming, yoga—will work.
It can be hard to get yourself moving when you are depressed, but within a short time, the mental benefits will start kicking in. You might even start to feel better within minutes as more oxygen hits your system and millions of neurons shoot signals into your sleepy brain, waking it up
Exercise also reduces several risk factors for depression by increasing blood sugar, raising good cholesterol, and improving heart and blood vessel health. Try making a deal with yourself—plan a reward (something pleasurable but not unhealthy) for after your exercise, such as curling up on the couch for a rest, eating a healthy snack, or doing some other activity you enjoy.