Depression is a very common cause for lack of energy. Every day tasks such as cleaning the house, shopping, or sweeping the yard become overwhelming. Some psychologists even go so far as stating that energy loss is the key characteristic of depression. Depression becomes a vicious cycle of stress, overeating, and under-exercising, leading to more depression.

Once of the best ways for those feeling depressed to lift their mood is to exercise. Not the one hour of high aerobics - but moderate to brisk walks for just 5 to 10 minutes can do wonders to boost the energy. This in turn signals the metabolic and cardiovascular systems into action and triggers hormonal changes that life the mood. It sure beats self medication with food or other substances that just drive one down into a deeper spiral.
More intense exercise tends to reduce energy further, but does have a greater reduction in tension. Following the exercise recovery period energy typically boosts, but getting through that initial post exercise drop can drive one to gorge on inappropriate foods - which only serve to deliver the guilt and doom emotions.

Exercise can boost the mood and energy levels quite quickly. The first two minutes may seem like a real effort, but within just 5 minutes the mood can lift noticeably. Adding a smile to strangers boosts both energy and mood even further and is a welcome mental boost that you still have some self control left. After 10-15 minutes there is a significant increase in energy.

If you are very depressed, you may need to trick the brain into exercise, by only agreeing to a 2 minute walk - even just to the end of the driveway and back. You will often find that once you get the end of the drive, you will be tempted to go just to the end of the street. Before you know it you have walked three blocks and can return home feeling proud, energetic and in better spirits.

So why not start now by just putting on those walking shoes, and see where it takes you!

NOTE: Depression is a serious and debilitating illness. Seek medical advice as soon as you suspect you may be depressed.