depression and exercise

[Biteset]

> I actually like the DOMS when I have them--they do
>remind me of accomplishment.

Oh, (sigh), how embarrassing. I keep speaking of DOMS as something plural. You know, it ends in "s". It's soreness--singular. But I keep saying "them".

(or should I be embarrassed that I'm bothering to correct myself in a new post?) anal

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gisela

 

[Joni]

Yes!! I just cut off about 8" of hair for this very reason - and it felt good! Although now it won't all fit into a ponytail and I struggle with sweaty, floppy hair during workouts...grrr...

Maybe this is also why retail therapy is so effective - that feeling of having something new...

When I'm down, and especially when I'm feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a rut I often fantasize about how it would feel to start a new job or move away - or both. I actually think making a big change can help a lot because it shakes thing up and keeps your mind off the depression. It might not work forever, but big changes can be scary and conquering a big fear can be a great way to fight off depression because, at least for me, depression usually means complacency...I'm too tired/sad to care enough to do what it takes to make the change. I've had tentative plans to move to Florida for a few years now, and my therapist was all for it. UNLESS - it was being used as an escape mechanism. Sounds like that's more what Naughtoj is talking about - but in some cases it just might work.

 

[Mocha]

>2) Any kind of movement is good: tone down your expectations
>of yourself. Even if all you do is walk around town doing
>errands, it is a start. Treat yourself gently when you need
>it. Only raise your (fitness) expectations when you are
>strong enough to do so and success is guaranteed. Never lead
>yourself down the path of failure by trying things before you
>are ready..

I agree!

Something that always gets me going when I don't seem to have the energy to do *anything* is a yoga CD by Ateeka (Divine Yoga Flow, but there are lots out there.)

The great thing about it is that, the first few minutes, all it asks you to do is sit and breathe deeply. Then you start some neck and shoulder rolls, a few minutes later some cat-cow stretches... she starts so innocently, but before you know it you are sweating and stretching and working hard!

Hope this helps.

 

[Mocha]

Something that helps me on those days when I don't have energy to do *anything* is a yoga CD (the one I use is called Divine Yoga Flow by Ateeka, but there are lots of others out there.)

What I especially love about this one, though, is that it starts so innocently; all she asks you to do is sit still and breathe. (Now, I can tell myself I don't have the energy to do lots of things - too hungry to make dinner, too tired to fold laundry, etc. - but I have not yet been able to convince even myself that I can't manage to "sit still and breathe").

After a few minutes of this, you start doing shoulder stretches and some spine stretches, and everything is relaxing and gentle... and somehow, before you know what has happened, you are on your feet, sweating, stretching, working hard.

It's no IMAX or muscle max or max anything, but it helps me to get some of the benefits of exercise when I just don't have the motivation to workout any other way.

Walks are great too.