Connie Ferguson says exercise keeps her mental health in check

Connie Ferguson says exercise keeps her mental health in check

Connie Ferguson has opened up about how exercise has helped her during her "most challenging times". 

Connie and Shona Ferguson
Connie Ferguson and her late husband Shona / Instagram (@connie_ferguson)

'The Queen' actress is known to spend a lot of time in the gym, and recently revealed why she enjoys working out so much. 

"Exercise is good for so many different reasons, but the reason I commit even when I don’t feel like it, is because of its effect on my mental health!" she wrote on Instagram.

The 51-year-old has suffered from chronic depression for many years. She says exercise has helped keep her off medication.

"It’s been years that I’ve been off antidepressants, and even in the most challenging times, I managed to stay off. Wake up, PRAY, exercise and go about your day," Connie added. 

ALSO READ: 'Today I’m not okay' - Connie Ferguson's first wedding anniversary without Shona

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Connie revealed in a previous interview with Glamour magazine that she usually gets depressed during winter. She exercises five times a week to help her deal with her depression. 

According to health experts, exercise can help put you in a better mood as endorphins and dopamine is released when you workout. 

The last six months have been particularly difficult for Connie. She lost her husband - actor and director Shona Ferguson -  in 2021. 

Shona passed away from COVID-19 complications. He was 49. 

"Six months today, and not a day goes by without me talking about you! To anyone who cares to listen! You have left such a big impression of yourself on me and the girls that you are part of all our conversations," Connie wrote on January 30. 

She added that her husband's spirit will live on. Connie got back into her workout routine in November last year - four months after Shona's death. 

It's been a tough time for Connie and her daughters, Ali and Lesedi Ferguson, but Connie is grateful for all the time they spent with Shona. 

"We bless God for walking this journey with us, for strengthening us daily and comforting us in different ways, for the earthly angels who have been supportive of me and my family, physically and in prayer, for the strangers who have been praying for our healing and wellbeing. It is well my love. By God’s grace, we are okay. Continue resting in peace, my love. Till we are all reunited when it’s our time to be called. I LOVE YOU FOREVER." 

ALSO READ: Connie Ferguson shows off some serious boxing moves

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