Concerned Bloggers: Exercise and Depression/Anxiety

When I've had a really bad day, I grab my iPod, plug my headphones in and I hit the ground running.  Literally.  I can go anywhere from 3 to 7 miles - depending on how much energy I have.

And when I'm done?  I feel light years better.  My head is clearer..I don't feel as overwhelmed - the running helps keep me sane.

According to the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/MH00043), the links between anxiety, depression and exercise aren't entirely clear — but working out can definitely help you relax and make you feel better. Exercise may also help keep anxiety and depression from coming back once you're feeling better.

Exercise probably helps ease depression in a number of ways, which may include:

• Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters and endorphins)
• Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
• Increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects

Doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week can significantly improve depression symptoms. But smaller amounts of activity — as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time — can make a difference. It may take less time exercising to improve your mood when you do more-vigorous activities, such as running or bicycling.

The mental health benefits of exercise may last only if you stick with it over the long term — another good reason to focus on finding activities you enjoy.

Note sure of what you like?  Well, there are so many options!

Running, strength training, yoga, dance..those are just SOME of the many different types of exercise that you can do on your own or in a class!


Of course before you begin anything, talk to your doctor or other mental health provider for guidance and support. Discuss concerns about an exercise program and how it fits into your overall treatment plan.

And if you already exercise regularly but anxiety or depression symptoms still interfere with your daily living, see your doctor or other mental health provider. Exercise is a great way to ease symptoms of anxiety or depression, but it isn't a substitute for psychotherapy or medications.

As always, sending lots of love and light your way.  :)


XOXO,

Bliss

Circle chart picture borrowed from http://scrampinmama.blogspot.com/2010/01/one-little-word-2010-healthy.html.

This Public Service Announcement was brought to you by the Concerned Bloggers Association.
If you would like to become involved, please contact Marleen Vaughan for more information.

Happy Mother's Day!

I know it's late in the day, but Happy Mother's Day to all of the amazing moms out there.

Hope you had a wonderful day.

XOXO,
B

Shepard Fairey Art Exhibit @ The Albert Docks Art Gallery

So, it's no secret that I love street art and graffiti art.  There's something so free and energetic about it - it's hard to explain if you haven't seen anything but gang tags (no, really). 

I'm a huge fan of Banksy, and of COURSE, Shepard Fairey (I also blogged my trip to the Mr. Brainwash exhibit in Florida back in December).  So I started searching in SL for art exhibits (something I haven't been able to do in FOREVER), I was really excited to find a Fairey exhibition going on at the Albert Docks Art Gallery.  The SL gallery is based off of the real Albert Docks in England.

I didn't think it was really right for me to post pictures of the exhibit here - mostly because I think you should experience it for yourself, and then there's always the nagging question of whether or not Mr. Fairey has actually given any permission for this exhibit.  While street artists not not really concerned with copyright infringement, it just didn't feel right to me. 

If you're not familiar with the "Obey" artist, then perhaps you recognize the red, white and blue hued picture of President Obama that swept the nation during his election.  That's his work - while there's still copyright infringement issues with the Associated Press, I think he altered it enough to make it his own.  But that's a WHOLE other post.

I did, however, snap one picture of my avi with the rotating image of the artist. 

Check out the exhibit.  It's not huge, but it's pretty interesting.  And if you want to see more, you can always check out his website!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Jeogori/80/53/102

http://obeygiant.com/

His newest exhibition in NYC (Pace Prints) is on my list of visits for this week.  If you're in the area, give it a shot.

Also, for some more insight into the world of street art, you can watch (on Hulu Plus or DVD) "Exit Through the Giftshop", which is a phenomenally hilarious movie by the anonymous artist, Banksy that chronicles the creation of MBW. 

Aaaanyway!  That's enough from me. 

Hope you have a wonderful week.  :) 


XOXO,
B