Need to start something for my mental health - anyone else?

[Littlemiss74]

After many weeks of lockdown, worming from home with DH furloughed (still is) and homeschooling 7 & 12 year old my mental health is slightly on the edge. I had a shielding letter too so have been very anxious about everything but having spoken to GP we agreed it was fine earlier on for me to get out for walks & exercise.

The thing is everything I do is with the family. Our lockdown walks have been lovely but I am never alone. I have no me time and at times I feel overwhelmed. I can feel my mental health slipping and getting irritable with people.

I’ve decided I need to do something for me. I want to get out in the fresh air alone! I love the idea of going for a run as it’s free and can be done pretty much anytime just be opening then front door.

I’ve heard Couch 2 5 k is good so want to try but am worried about being so rubbish and that people I know will see me if I go on pavements. There is countryside around but I’m worried about tripping or twisting ankle if ground is rougher than a pavement.

Basically I’m just anxious but really want to hope that by doing some outdoor exercise I can lift my mood?

Can anyone relate or offer any tips please?

Do it! Running has been excellent for me and having that time for myself. Trust me, it's the last thing I thought I'd find myself doing and a year ago I couldn't run for 60 seconds but I've done C25K and now I can run for an hour if I want to! Slowly, bit still! It did take me two attempts because I injured myself the first time as I built up too fast and didn't listen to my body so I say go for it and take it slow. There's lots of threads around here with people doing it who will support you and encourage you on but trust me, if I can do it you can

Thank you @Passmeabrew how did you get started? Do you run on pavements or more countryside paths/parks etc?

I tend to run mainly on road because that's easier for me - can just put my trainers on and go. My local routes do include a park and I'm close to a river. I don't get to do the 'pretty' bits on my short runs but now I'm going a little further, I plan to explore. You can look on things like Strava to see where the segments are in your area, gives you an idea where other people go. Or other people use mapmy run?

I just got an idea of which way I wanted to go (I get lost easily so had to plan!), downloaded the C25K app and was off really. I like music while I run, but don't have it too loud so I can hear what going on around me. If you don't want to do the app, just walk/run/walk. The idea is you build up the amount of time you are running for gradually. The most important thing is to take the run sections really slowly - dont sprint! Pace comes later, you are working on endurance now. My pace is just starting to improve and I still haven't ran 5k in 30mins, it's getting closer though! It's more important to me that I'm out, getting some time to clear my head and the benefits of exercise as well. The hardest part is starting!

It is definitely the best thing you can do for your mental health. I felt like you - drowning in home schooling and never alone, I started c25k at the start of lockdown and haven’t looked back - it’s my time and my space, I just put my headphones in and go - I train on the road and honestly it is the best thing I have ever done and it definitely helped me to stay sane knowing that I had that to look forward to each day. Good luck.

I’ve searched Couch 25k in the App store and it came up with a few - which one is best to go with?

If you like her - the the Sarah Milican voiced one is good

Its the Public Health England app - search "Couch to 5K NHS"

And try your best to forget about people seeing you out there - most people will be thinking " " - nothing! just thinking about their own shit or maybe "ooh there's littlemiss"

C25K, the NHS one.
Honestly, it's the best thing I've done for me, started 1st Feb, graduated end of May, but I've carried on running three times a week.
Also visit the One You website, there's all different support groups relating to to health and well-being...
Found the C25K group on there really supportive.
Good Luck xx

I exercise primarily for MH and prioritise it at least 5x week, because for me it makes a big difference. I first identify good time slots, eg mornings and weekends are best for me.

Jog/walking, or even just walking, is brilliant, love podcasts. Take it as slow as you need. I used to enjoy yoga but that’s hard with DC around. And (pre lockdown) swimming during hours when DC not allowed, group fitness. Have never tried outdoor group fitness but have friends who enioy that.

I never used the couch to 5k app, had a heartrate monitor and just jog/walk/jogged, and built up over time. Can run 12k+ now.

I echo the PPs - a few months ago I would have been the last person on earth I could have imagined going for a run. Then everything was getting me down, and I had a particularly rough week in lockdown and decided I needed to do something to get out of the dip. So I looked into Couch to 5k, thought it looked do-able... fast forward to this morning and I ran 5k for the first time (probably in my life!).

I totally understand the fear of seeing someone you know or falling over and making a fool of yourself. I'm lucky and have a few wide paths within a few minutes of my front door. I would recommend thinking carefully about where you could go - could you drive somewhere nearby where you know there is a path or nice track?

The NHS app is connected to a forum, Health Unlocked, which I have found really supportive and useful.

Good luck!

Thank you all very much. I’m going to try and start. @Bananabell yes there is a lovely park I can drive to which has wide smooth paths so I might try there. They have an outdoor cafe too so I might even treat myself to a coffee after!