Hello Everyone,
Hope you are having a ‘Pil-easant’ Week!
Have you ever had those moments or phases in life where you feel that you’re losing control of your life and your world is coming to an end? This is usually the feeling when you are falling into Depression or are currently going through it.
Here is a topic that is very common and relatable across the world which is why I have decided to write about it. Approximately 300 million people suffer from Depression worldwide, which is a huge amount, however, the important thing is to treat it as an opportunity rather than a problem.
Depression – The Beginning or the End?
Depression is a condition that is easily diagnosable as the mood disorders become visible as well as frequent in some cases. Some forms of depression may last for a short period of time and require short-term medication and others may require extensive psychiatric therapy, heavy medication or a change of lifestyle completely (i.e., improvements in diet and exercise frequency).
Depression can also bring about long-term symptoms, such as:
- tremendous sadness,
- lack of energy,
- loss of appetite,
- weight gain or weight loss,
- lack of interest in regular activities,
- irritability or change in moods or ‘perceived’ attitude,
- lack of sleep or oversleeping
- anxiety,
- aches, pain that are not explainable,
- lack of concentration,
- thoughts about death or suicide.
Depression effects not only the individual but also the families that surround him/her. During this time, the individual is not their ‘normal-self and this has a domino effect to the physical, emotional and social aspects of life for the individual.
There is no definite cause of depression; it is a combination of chemical imbalances in the brain, genetics, hormones, as well as other pre-existing conditions that the individual may be suffering from.
Moreover, there are several types of depression categories that exist in today’s world which makes me realize and appreciate how our body & brain are so overwhelmingly complicated that we have to dig into deeper understanding of what kind of depression the individual is going through before determining the right medication and therapy.
How can I Address Depression through Pilates?
Pilates is ‘perceived’ to help shrink waistlines, tone bodies and look sexy and as a 2nd Generation Pilates Instructor & Founder of a Pilates Studio, I believe it is my rightful duty to educate everyone about the deeper effects of Pilates.
No doubt; if Pilates is done consistently and correctly over time, it can make you look toned, flexible, healthy & strong, however, it also helps build the mind in addition to the body.
According to a Study done on depressed women, each ofthem were taken to do 45 minutes of Pilates, 3 days in a week (as a Group) for over 12 weeks.
The Result: The level of serotonin (a neurotransmitter in the brain that has a great impact on boosting one’s mood) increased and depression levels dropped. In addition, increase in flexibility, stable blood pressure and the built up of muscle endurance were achieved after these 12 weeks.
- Pilates forces you to control every detail of each exercise by concentrating on the pose as well as the execution; i.e., concentrating on the breathing, the proper alignment, the form, the reps…etc. at the same time in the correct way. Once you get into the habit of Pilates and keep controlling all the physical and mental aspects of your body, you begin to feel like you have a control on your LIFE! This helps with addressing depression.
- The breathing techniques taught in Pilates encourages the effective oxygenation of the blood which in turn helps improve circulation as well as higher levels of serotonin.
- Pilates is a body and mind experience! A depressed person will have a lot of tension on the body, however, after 45-60 mins of Pilates, that same individual comes out feeling light, active and positive because in those few minutes, that individual’s mind is diverted, and he/she has something to concentrate on as well as observing how the body is responding to each form of exercise.
- If you think about it, Pilates does not make you feel mentally ‘exhausted’ as there is no requirement to do another 20 reps of sit ups or another run around the field which sounds so exhausting! Pilates actually eases your mind because the exercises are not physically exhausting as other forms of exercises.
There are no defined Pilates routines that will cure depression. Consistency, Concentration and Precision are key! With time, results will be seen!
How can Pilates Station (Sana Motion) Help?
If you think that you are suffering from Depression but you’re not comfortable to consult a Doctor or even a Psychologist, then joining the Pilates Station could mean a first step to getting better soon!
If you are new to Pilates Station, we have beginner classes to get you comfortable in no time.
If you feel like addressing your condition with someone in a more in-depth and professional way, we can set up an appointment for you with our in-house Life Coach, Markus Nater.
You will find in him an empathic listener and non-judging conversation-partner with a great understanding for interpersonal concerns. He can guide you through a process of coaching that will help you sort out your thoughts, create clarity about conscious and unconscious issues that may impact the condition of your physical and mental wellbeing.
Markus Nater is a fully Accredited Coach from the European Coaching Association.
Read More about him by clicking Here: http://coaching-bangkok.com/your-life-coach-in-thailand/
Lots of love to those who are going through this phase of life!
Don’t be shy to let us know what you are facing and let us help you through a combination of Pilates & Coaching.
There are ways to help, just take one step and you will realize how strong you are!