Hi Jeff,

> I've suffered deep depression many times and
> I frequently turn to excercise for relief.
> It works.
> It's a free and available tool for mood
> enhancement.

I have suffered depression in the past too.... I haven't really found it a problem nowadays (it was more of a problem for me in my late teens and early twenties), but still the mood effects of exercise are stunning to me. It really does work!

I know there are also others who visit Sowpub who have had problems with depression.... I would most definitely recommend a regular exercise routine to see if it helps out with your mood. Try to do some kind of exercise which is fun if you can....

As you have said, Jeff, you can use it to lift your mood at any time you need to.... But in my opinion, for it to have the biggest impact in your life, try to do some exercise every day.

In my experience, though, it's best not to overdo it.... In the past, when I tried to exercise regularly, I tried to do too much. Then, the next day I was full of aches and pains and completely exhausted.... I think it's better to exercise at a more moderate pace so you can do it regularly.

I find walking to be an excellent form of exercise, though I'm planning to take up swimming soon too (low-impact stuff).

If the weather outside is bad, I've found a local large shopping mall I can walk around in protected from the weather! I can do a few circuits of the mall.... :) (The danger there is it could get expensive if you are a compulsive buyer!)

If you get bored, you can also listen to a portable radio while you are walking (such as a walkman or those radios that just sit on your head, like earmuffs)....

> Another cheap and effective way to fight
> depression or low mood is...Chocolate.
> Apparently it stimulates the brain in a way
> similar to the sensation of being in love.
> No wonder there are so many chocaholics!

You're right Jeff, chocolate is great.... Mmmmm, now you're making me hungry! :)

Thanks Jeff for your great post!

- Dien Rice