What can I replace running/exercise with to help my mh and well-being?

[MoirasWigStand]

I’m normally a runner (parkrun, 10k races, the odd half marathon) and also like cycling, but I cannot exercise at the moment and the foreseeable. I have had myopericarditis for 9 months now have tried a number of medications (including steroids) but still get pain when I exert myself at all. So cardiologist says no exercise yet.

It’s driving me mad. Apart from gaining two stone, I miss the boost I got from running/cycling for my mh. The endorphins, the time to process my thoughts. Nothing better after a stressful day at work.

I don’t know what I can do to replace it, I can walk, but not the distance or speed required to get the same feeling. I’m generally rubbish at any hobbies that require study/research, one of the things I loved about by inning was just getting TV on with it and seeing improvement.

Any ideas?

I'm in a similar position in that I can't run at the moment and I miss it so much!
I'm doing pilates 3 times a week, and I've just started practicing yoga and I'm aiming to do that every day for a month to see how i go - pilates for my crap back and yoga for my mental health.
I've also tried borrowing a friend's rowing machine but I'm not finding it as euphoric as running!
I hope you find something that works.

In a similar position too. I've taken up tai chi and it has had a really positive mental effect. Worth a try?

Me too. Run for years, spinning, loved it. Have on going chest pain with long covid. All tests normal but very reluctant to exercise again. At the moment I'm walking which is kind of filling the gap but nowhere near as good at weight maintenance and fitness.

I know nothing about heart health but is swimming in cold water ok? Might give you that rush of endorphins you miss

I would focus on muscle strength and tone, and MH well-being at the moment. Yoga is an ideal all-round body conditioner with a calming effect on your Central Nervous System.

What about going for a gentle walk with a camera (phone!) and photographing plants and wildlife? Look for details like moss and lichen. It will all change over the next few months and concentrating on finding new plants, alongside getting fresh air, should help to keep your head straight.

Weights. Nice and heavy. Lots of rest between short sets.

Get a PT, learn the form and go from there.

Visible results, clarity and headspace, satisfying aches - and cardio/exertion can be managed.

I also prefer Pilates over yoga.

Forgot to say, I managed weights when I couldn't do any cardio exercise without passing out (unexplained anaemia) and a friend did weights after a heart op when she couldn't go over a certain bpm.

Meditation

Cold showers (work up to 2 mins) and Shakti Mat ? Weights or yoga - even gentle yoga can feel great if you’re not super- bendy already.

Meditation and breathing exercises?

Really not advised to do cold showers with cardiac issues.

Yoga, tai chi, meditation. A Shakti mat is also a good call.

Oh man, that sucks. Yes walk as much as you can. If weight training doesn't trigger your problem, then that.
I briefly joined a local TRI club's swim training and (I was soooo bad but they were v encouraging) that made me feel like the "old me" a bit - though again, will that work for you... I was still at the "not sinking or drowning" getting coordinated stage so the HR didn't have much chance to go up.

Knitting, sewing, anything repetitive, whittling? lace making? Adult colouring books? They all help with providing mental stability. Yoga too as PPs say.

And keep busy - catch up on all the stuff you've not had time for previously - if you can keep up a feeling of achievement by Getting Stuff Done, that helps.

Volunteer to marshall at any local races - hard to see other people running, but keeps social ties (and I found people would tell me encouraging stories about how they'd got through similar, which helped).

Oh and if you ever wanted to learn a musical instrument, now really is the time.

I was going to say yoga - if you want online can I recommend Kassandra who does quite a lot of yin and restorative routines and is a bit less waffle-y than Adrienne (who I do love but prefer Kassandra).

Volunteer at parkrun!

Agree with suggestion upthread on regular walking. Set yourself a daily steps target, get out in nature, use the time to listen to podcasts/audiobooks.

I am walking, but I have to go very slowly and can only manage less than a mile. At the moment walking upstairs makes me out of breath and my heart rate rocket!

I’ll have a look at the yoga suggestions, I have some weights. But I’ve never had same mh benefit from weights. I love that long distance runner type escapism.

Cold water definitely not recommended, although I’d love to try outdoor swimming when I’m better. Swimming is no good at the moment as even slow breaststroke gets my heart rate up too much.

Thanks for the suggestions.