From Dr. Jane's Notebook

Stalking the Great Couch-Potato

For years now, many of my clients have gotten relief from depression by engaging in some form of daily exercise. The act of suiting up, working out, breathing fresh air, and getting strong has a very positive effect on our physical and mental conditions. Why then, is there so much gravity inherent in this effort?

Personally, I find that it does wonders for me to complete an exercise session. Getting back to my driveway at the end of a two-mile jog is one of the most desireable of homecomings. In contrast, getting from my front door out to the street is akin to my enthusiasm for going to the dentist.

So, in my effort to trick myself into liking exercise, I have considered its possible value apart from all those health reasons. This is what I've come up with:

During exercise is a good time to think free from distractions. And conversely, the act of thinking distracts me from feeling my body while it exercises.
If I am upset or worried about something, exercise is a useful way to shift my focus of attention from a mental state to a physical state. For this reason, I recommend walking or jogging as an antidote to depression and a great way to reduce mid-day stress.
Finally, the completion of exercise offers a great sense of accomplishment.

As I tangle with the "couch potato" deep inside of me that looks for every possible reason not to get out there and jog, I envision "Rocky" arriving back at my driveway, once again worthy of a hot fudge sundae!

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Last Updated October 18, 1998 by Gary M. Grandon, Ph.D.