Get Moving

One of the challenges of depression is a lack of desire. When in the throes of depression we lose interest in activities, even the activities that at one point brought us joy. So we sit with ourselves in our depression and we feel even worse. Edward T. Welch wrote, “You are not accustomed to doing something without feeling like doing it.” (Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness - Pg 66). We have a hard time doing something we don’t feel like doing, and if we have a choice we won’t. However, not doing something contributes to our depression. Sitting alone with our depression isn’t going to produce a positive outlook. Doing things won’t cure our depression, but it will help alleviate the symptoms. 

“Sometimes you have to force feed yourself. You aren’t hungry. You don’t want to eat. But you know you must. Now is the time to force feed. Your spiritual health depends on it.” (Welch, Pg 66). When it comes to depression we must force ourselves to get moving. We must be intentional about doing the activities that bring joy into our lives. When we do, we’ll experience relief, even if just a bit. Each time we do something, even when we don’t feel like it, builds on the others and we’ll begin to feel our depression lift. The heaviness will begin to lighten. The darkness will begin to fade. Depression tells us to avoid doing things. However, we must resist its call to do nothing. But there comes a time when we must force ourselves to get off the couch, or out of the bed, and do something, anything. Just do something. Regular physical activity is a powerful, evidence-based tool for managing depression. Studies show that just 15 minutes of moderate exercise—or fitting in a brisk walk—can significantly boost your mood and ease depressive symptoms.

There are many things that we can do to relieve our depression symptoms. For me, being outside helps pull me out of a depressive mood. There is something about nature that is refreshing and uplifting. I have found that being outside brings my focus to God. I can find Him everywhere when outdoors. We can also listen to positive, uplifting music. My go to is The Message on SiriusXM, Zach Williams, Casting Crowns, or MercyMe. Meditating on God’s Word is also a good way to lift our spirits. If you’re not a reader, download a Bible app and listen to it. YouVersion is my go to app. Just remember, do something. Sitting around will not help relieve the symptoms of depression. There are times when we have to do something we really do want to do. Our depression brings us to one of these times. So, we have to decide to force ourselves to get moving. To do something, even when we don’t feel like it. Especially when we don’t feel like it.