I am writing this blog in spontaneous reaction to an article seen on LinkedIn which said that sports activities were more effective than antidepressants in curing burnout.
I did not retain the precise reference of this article, but I assure you that the subject is very well documented.
Twenty years ago, all my friends were cycling. It was very fashionable, it was “in”. We saw companies giving a place of choice to this activity, even adding a bike ride to their traditional golf tournament.
I have always resisted cycling, as I still resist golf, until the day when a burn-out / depression hit me hard. I had a misconception about antidepressants and refused to take them. OK for psychotherapy and self-care, but a big no to antidepressants!!!
So, by instinct, I went to a friend who was trying to convince me to go cycling with him and I said, ok, can you walk me through buying a bicycle?
The next day, I went riding with little enthusiasm for 30 km, at the end of which, I was exhausted. I multiplied, not without effort, the outings with my friend and, after a while, I realized that I felt a little better. The symptoms were diminishing and I felt that it was the cycling that made the difference.
After a while, it was less difficult to get on my bike and it even became almost pleasant. Over a horizon of three months and with 1000 km on the clock, my life has changed completely. I regained the taste for life, energy, sleep, calmed my anxieties, and became, I dare say, more serene. Ah yes, and let’s not forget the eight kilos that I lost.
I now reserve a minimum of 30 minutes of physical and cardio activity three times a week. Not necessarily cycling. These sports activities are among my main protective factors against relapse. When I look back, I remain convinced that cycling allowed me to get out of my burnout.
Amélie, your coach
Comments