Made myself get up and do some exercise this morning and can't believe how much it has lifted my mood!

[confusedlots]

I've been feeling overwhelmed and probably mildly depressed for months. Drinking too much wine as a coping mechanism which has clearly just had the result of making my mood and anxiety worse. Knowing that if I didn't do anything about it, another week would pass me by in a haze of feeling rubbish and not achieving anything, I left the kids to school and made myself go for a run! I didn't want to do it at all, but I just made myself.

Back home with a cup of tea and I honestly can't believe how much better I feel. I don't think I had realised how much I had actually spiralled downhill the past few months. I had a wash on, am going to get a shower now and get the food shop done before I pick the kids up again. I just hope I can keep this up now!

Well done you!!🙌🙌! I need to do the same, I’m so tired but I know exercise will help but I’m too tired it’s a horrible cycle uurghh….thanks for the inspiration ❤️

Well done! It’s the hardest part making the first step when you’re feeling rubbish. I totally agree, and don’t feel human myself without exercise. The awful irony of depression being a lack of motivation. Do you run quite a bit? I find doing a training plan helps keep my motivation up!

I do a lot of walking - 10k per day on average as I can walk to/from work which is just over a mile away and also have a lunchtime walk. I feel absolutely drained, lifeless and generally awful on days when I can't get out to walk (i.e. really bad weather etc). It makes a massive difference to revitalise the body and mind. Even on bad weather days, I still try to keep active, use a standing desk at work, etc. and I've a treadmill in the garage at home, to keep the blood pumping if nothing else.

It's definitely a vicious cycle, it's so difficult to get up and do some exercise when you feel low and have no motivation.

I used to run a bit but haven't done anything much since last summer. I've signed up for a 5 mile race next month, I don't care how slow I am, but will try to put together a bit of a training plan to work my way back up to that over the next few weeks.

Great work! I started alternating 20 mins of exercise or yoga during COVID and have kept it up ever since, it really does help start the day.

Just to say well done @confusedlots . Your post if full of positivity- how lovely to read. It’s not easy, but once it’s a habit you won’t look back and consistently is the real winner. Just remember how this feels and keep at it. Huge pat on the back to you!

Well done!
I'm signed off with anxiety and insomnia at the moment. I usually do a tonne of exercise, but recently had an absolutely awful night after a day at my mum's, where all she wanted to do was sit on the sofa with the curtains drawn (on a gorgeous sunny day 😑) and watch tv. We got no fresh air or sunshine and didnt move a muscle. Never again!
It's amazing the positive impact exercise has.

It’s amazing how much difference even a little bit of exercise and fresh can make to your mood. It doesn’t cure your problems but it does give that boost and some clear headedness though.

I used to walk a lot but stopped since covid but now more recently I’ve started again. I did an 8 mile walk on Friday, lots of gardening and then swimming yesterday and I do feel better. It hasn’t improved my sleep (other issues at play here and I’m menopausal) but it has given me more energy and boosted my mood.

even fresh air, going for a little walk or run or pottering in the garden is good.

I only do Growingannas on YouTube and she lifts you right up. Cool music, no talking. It really lifts me up.

Good stuff! It's March now, spring is yours for the taking.

Totally agree, I feel great since I started a few days ago but wondering when the aching will stop 🤣

Well done!! Remember this feeling, and draw on it when you don’t want to go next time. I run a lot - I don’t enjoy it much, but it’s worth it for the after-feeling!!

I'm marathon training but had a niggle in my leg so have been resting this week. I'm super cranky and think it's because I haven't been able to get out and exercise.