Gary Brecka recommends making mobility non-negotiable for depression and anxiety. Walking outdoors in a weighted vest raises dopamine, while cold-water immersion at 48-52°F for 3-6 minutes triggers cold-shock proteins and improves mood. Consistency matters more than extreme interventions.
How does Gary Brecka treat depression? Okay, well, I don't specifically treat depression. I'm not a physician. What I would advise anyone who is struggling with any type of mood disorder is to immediately make mobility non-negotiable. You know, I heard someone say one time, if you want to cure depression, push somebody in cold water. It's very easy to be in a bad mood getting into a cold plunge. It's almost impossible to be in a bad mood getting out. For cold plunging, longer is not better and colder is not better, but nothing beats consistent mobility. So if you are somebody that is struggling with a mood disorder, it's critical that you make mobility non-negotiable. One of my favorite things to do, no matter where you are at what stage of your health and fitness journey, is just walk outside with a weighted vest. When you do something hard, put effort into things, you raise your dopamine. These are mood hormones. Another great thing to try is cold plunging. 3 minutes minimum, 6 minutes maximum, between 48 and 52°F. That's it. All you need to do is solicit those responses, the release of cold shock proteins. You will feel amazing and it will literally change the trajectory of your entire day.
