Right you lot - a thread to see if exercise can help us. Who's in?

[Stripedmum]

I'm off out for a run. And i'm going to go out for 30 mins minimum EVERY DAY. Who is going to buddy up and check I've done it?

If there is even a chance it can get me out of this fucking weird and awful hole I've sunk into then it's worth a shot.

Anyone else?

[SophieLeGiraffe]

I'm in! I'm Shredding after I've got DS to bed. And we're going running in the morning.

Enjoy your run!

[onlyfortonight]

I personally find that exercising is one of the most useful tools I have to combat depression - definitely worth a shot.

Have you exercised (run) before? The only real mistake you can make is setting yourself goals that are impossible to achieve, because when you don't reach them your self-worth will take a big knock. Take it slowly, plan realistic goals (start with a run/walk programme first for those 30 min).

I am happy to support you...I'm going out now...I will be back later if you want to PM me.

Good Luck

[onlyfortonight]

PS...I've just started a body weight programme and yoga...going to do it everyday...You can check up on me!

[Stripedmum]

Thank you!! Woo hoo! Go Sophie my new exercise buddy!

Thank you Only. I've been doing 7k recently but not regularly enough. Perhaps two nights a week, and them when I'm slumping I'm not doing it which is when I probably need it most. Did you do meds? This is my last shot before giving them a go.

[Stripedmum]

Right Night One: Run done. 5.5k.

How do I feel? Calm and good when out. Okay-ish now, still fragile but little wonder really.

Sophie and Only let me know how you both get on and report back.

[onlyfortonight]

Well done for the 5.5km...lovely evening for it too...what I loved most of all was watching the seasons change in the hedgerows - just peace and quiet and of course the sense of achievement.

I have had meds - sertraline, but I have also had to go through periods where I haven't been able to to take them (because of pregnancy). They helped me, so if you are offered them - do use them. The exercise will help of course too!

I used to use running as a time where I could be and please myself - totally selfish time out. I am unable to run now sadly, an overuse injury (due to the running, so you can see why I was cautious.) I still exercise, but it is now low or no impact - gym work or road cycling. It is such a mood improver when I am low and overwhelmed.

What are you planning for tomorrow?
I'm hoping for a long road cycle...we'll see!

[onlyfortonight]

Sophie - what is the shred like?

[Stripedmum]

It was a lovely, lovely evening for it.

I have niggles at the mo which I run through Only but I do worry that dismissing them could escalate into proper problems like you describe. What would you advise?

Yes Sophie let us know!

[onlyfortonight]

Well, you are going to be sore the next day - knees and hips and ankles - and that is to be expected, but really the only clue I had was 'soreness' that seemed not to go away during a break like the other exercise pains would. Just take it easy and build up your distances and frequency slowly.

My issue was due to real overwork (obsessive) - my work required frequent running and I have always pushed myself just too far trying to keep up with the boys. After 17 years of abuse including running for 2-3 hours at a time, I finally hurt myself.

Do the exercise, but take rest as well...instead of trying to run everyday - alternate it with a lighter, lower impact workout - swimming, walking, a little light weight training. You will get the same mental benefits, but without compromising your physical health, and with the added benefit of challenging your body. Don't workout if your body really is too tired/sore...listen to your body.

[Stripedmum]

Sophie - how did it go?

My back is hurting today but if it's still bad later I wil WALK for 30 min. I'm determined to give this a shot.

Thanks for the advice Only! So basically don't overdo it. Which is always tempting...

[SophieLeGiraffe]

Hello! DS didn't go to sleep till 8.30 just as DH got home so I skipped Shred last night. Did 5k plus sit ups in the park first thing this morning. Was ace. When I stopped to do the sit ups I just sort of stopped and watched the clouds a while.

Shred is v good but so hard. After the first few days you can't move arms at all. Or sit down. Or stand up. V quick to tone arms and legs but I found I needed additional cardio to keep weight down too.

Glad to hear the running is going well.

[Stripedmum]

Not sure what to do tonight...I'm walking like a blimming question mark! I could do with a bike really for times like this!

I might have a gentle jog and see what it leads to. Will report back I will NOT be going to sleep tonight without my 30 mins.

[Stripedmum]

Well done on park run Sophie! I really fancy that.

[mouses]

ive had depression, anxiety since i can remember back into childhood.

i used to do performing arts and make dance routines in my bedroom, then went gym 3 times a week through my 20's. then stuck with pilates but i still have it?

currently ive not had the motivation or energy to do anything,

really hope it successful for you, keep going x

[Stripedmum]

Oh mouses

It's just awful. Did you ever feel boosted afterwards?

I've read somewhere that in order for it to have a therapeutic affect you need to do 30 mins cardiovascular A DAY!

I'm annoyed as I've really blimming hurt my back but in the spirit of this thread tonight I'm trying yoga for the first time! Courtesy of a pregnancy DVD. Hopefully it will be quite slow!

Hopefully I'll be back on the road tomorrow

[Stripedmum]

Well yoga was cack. Much prefer a good work out but at least I did something for myself in spite of the bad back. I hope it rectifies soon!

How are you feeling today Sophie?

[mouses]

suppose i felt good that im trying to keep fit, not really boosted tho?
yup, done more then 30mins a day, but maybe its because i was doing it for getting fit / staying trim? ive even got a stepometer that counts steps, calories, fat blah blah... try and do 10000 steps a day

try pilates, its a bit more exciting then yoga (that would make me doze off!) i do windsor pilates. can get it cheap on ebay. and you dont have to leave the house

hope your back eases up.

[mouses]

apologise ...

just read it back and have totally put a downer on this thread! please ignore me.

ive read its really good for depression and all. (just not me)

[Stripedmum]

Don't be daft mouses! Thanks for the Pilates tip.

I think the key actually is doing something you enjoy. For me that's running as it pushes me, challenges me and it's a time when I'm forced to focus less on my random thoughts. I also love that it's helping to keep me healthy and then probably last on the list trim!

It's more about getting out and doing something pro active to combat 'this'. Almost like I'm refusing to go down without a bloody good fight!

[mouses]

ive kinda lost interest in everything i dont enjoy much, it all seems an effort.

your great for fighting it!

i think having it for so long im loosing the will power to fight any more.

[SophieLeGiraffe]

I feel ok today thanks. Had a nice day. Out with friend this morning, DH this afternoon and I even treated myself to an afternoon nap whilst DS was at Sainsbury's and DS was sleeping.

Not sure what our plans are tomorrow but will hopefully run or Shred at least.

I hope your back gets better soon. I have a yogalates DVD which is v good, will try to get back to that too.

[SophieLeGiraffe]

Mouses, sorry you feel so down.

[ColouringInQueen]

I'm in striped! I've been trying to do 30 mins exercise Mon - Fri the last week, generally fairly low intensity but I do feel better for it even if temporarily. Trying to do it to improve mental health and lose some of the half stone I've put on this year (am only little so I really notice it)

Did 30 mins intensive yoga yesterday from a dvd which was knackering, but I did feel better for it. Took dd swimming today and swam a bit.

That's it so far.

[mouses]

thanks sophie, i'll leave it here for the more positive people x

[ColouringInQueen]

mouses please don't feel you have to go. Tell us if you've managed any pilates - its v good isn't it - I was actually prescribed a six week course after suffering from back pain when ds was little - and it sorted it completely.