If you asked me, "What is the main tool in your arsenal that is most effective against bipolar symptoms such as anxiety and depression?" I would say first of all, sleep, but right behind it I would say, exercise. I have written a previous blog about the former, "Sleep: a Partnership with God." But these two things are interconnected. I find that regular and rigorous exercise that gets my heart rate up into my "target range" contributes to my being able to get to sleep and stay there. My "go to" aerobic exercise is swimming, which I do three days per week. On the other days, I either walk (usually a mile and some) or stationary bike (thirty minutes or so). When I don't exercise, my sleep suffers.
But there is more to exercise than helping me sleep. Exercise can significantly improve my mood. Bear with me here as I get a bit technical. Exercise causes the release of "neurotransmitters" throughout your nervous system. You've probably heard of endorphins. Endorphins are morphine-like chemicals that block pain and increase sensations of pleasure. No kidding! So if you want to get "hooked" on exercising, knock yourself out! But there is more good news. Exercise also produces the release of endocannabinoids. Did you read cannibi(s) in that name? Endocannabinoids are thought to be responsible for "runner's high," the feeling of calm euphoria after a strenuous workout. Who knew exercise could do all this?
But there is more to say about regular, vigorous exercise. And this comes from the Bible. 1st Timothy 4:8 says, "for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way." So physical training or exercise is valued. But even more so is godliness. I have benefitted by combining physical and spiritual exercise. For example, when I swim I rehearse one verse per length of the pool, from the 30-odd verses I have put to memory. (Here's a pitch for Scripture memory! I use the Navigator Topical Memory System. Google that up and see for yourself. I'll have more to say on this in a future blog.) I've recently upped my swims to 36 lengths or half a mile, so I guess I will have to add to my "verse pool," no pun intended. By rehearsing and meditating on these verses as I swim, good things happen, and not just neurotransmitters. There's a release of "theotransmitters," that connect me with the Lord, who values both our exercises, physical and spiritual.
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