Exercise Therapy

Can running on a treadmill alleviate clinical depression?

Ever since I joined the women's lacrosse team at my college, I seem to be a happier person. It may be just that i have a team supporting me, but i think working out and running through a structured activity in an effective way. We also just got back from Alabama with my team, and even though we were tired, i think we were less stressed when we got back. We had fun as a team with our "swamp march" and seeing our team improve as a whole as well as individually.

Below is an article i found online that talks about exercise therapy by Amanda Daley. (Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2002) 8: 262-270) 


http://apt.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/full/8/4/262


Please read through the article and respond with what your opinion is about "exercise therapy as an option for depression treatment."

Sports Therapy

I know if I am having a stressful day, I can't wait to get on the field for practice. I am a women's lacrosse goalie and practice is a time for me to work out my frustrations of the day. I walk on the field, leave my problems off the field, pick up my goalie stick and start passing with a teammate, and all my problems seem non-existent. I think a big part of it is that i am able to leave my problems off the field so it doesn't interfere with the game. Another part of it is that i have my whole team to support me. Having a group of people there to support you makes a big difference in life when you are going through some rough times. Our coach is also a mentor for us, and she makes a big difference in my life.

I think it is important for everyone to get involved on a team of some sort and having a sports team to work with is another plus. You get to work out your frustrations as well as have support.

The picture i have attached above is a picture of us from our training trip to California.

Dance Therapy

Today in class one of the groups presented about incorporating dance into the classroom. One of the reasons it is a big help in classrooms is for the kinesthetic learning possibilities. Basically, dance is a "hands-on" way of learning. Another reason incorporating dance into the classroom is because of its stress relief possibilities. Dancing releases endorphins which lowers stress levels and also helps keep you awake.

After learning about bringing dance into the classroom, I began to think of other ways dance could be used as a therapy. I decided to google it and I found the cite for the ADTA or the American Dance Therapy Association. This is the video that describes what they do.




I think that when I am angry next time I might try dancing or having a dance party with friends to relax.

Doctor's Office

I was waiting in the Dr.'s office for a friend and I picked up a magazine that was for parents... I am not a parent nor do i hope to be in the near future but they have some good ideas to use as a teacher as well. One of the things in the magazine was an ad for aromatherapy pillows for children. CloudB is the website that appeared in the magazine. I think it is a fantastic idea... some children have a hard time falling asleep at night and there are scents, sounds, and colors that that will induce sleep for people. Lavender, soft light, and falling rain are the sounds, smells, and lights that make me fall asleep. I think i would definitely use this for my child if they were having a rough time sleeping at night.