“Some people feel the rain, others simply get wet”

By Tim Dailing

I have always been interested in the mind/body connection and how they can effect each other. From past experience I have seen how mental stress can make the physical body ill. The quote “Some people feel the rain, others simply get” is credited to Bob Marley, and it has taken some digestion and thought to come to my conclusion what Mr. Marley was talking about. I believe he was talking about our mental outlook- how do we view things? Even the rain; is it viewed as some annoyance that interferes with our daily life, or is it seen as part of nature that nourishes plants, animals, and a life giving source needed for survival? We will all face some low points in life and even possibly depression or anxiety, but medications/prescriptions are not the only answer. Physical activity can definitely ease symptoms of depression or anxiety and make you feel better. Exercise may also prevent anxiety or depression from coming back once you are feeling better.

How does exercise help depression and anxiety?

• Releases feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters, endorphins, and endocannabinoids)
• Reduces immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
• Increase your body temperature which can have a calming effect
• Takes your mind off worries – exercise is a distraction that can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression

Living in Florida we can see a lot of rain, especially during hurricane season, and the rain was starting to get to me. It was causing a longer commute time, taking the dog out in the rain which was a messy chore, and the beach wasn’t an option; so i took a group fitness class with one of my favorite instructors and felt my stress melt away and a sense of peace and calm came to me, as i exited the class it was raining, but this time “I felt the rain”.