Feel so sad when I don't exercise

[Woppa]

I'm not a fitness freak but have got into strength training over the past 5 years. Going through stress at work at the moment but the only time it really gets to me is when i havent exercised. I can manage one day off, but by the second it's like chemically I'm just SO SAD. It's as if the good chemicals linger for 24 hours and then I'm just totally in the doldrums, regardless of where I am in menstrual cycle. Anyone else have to exercise to keep great sadness at bay?

I'm a bit like that. I don't get sad but I am less focused if I don't do something first thing in the morning that is a bit strenuous. Having said that I'm OK with having a rest day regularly. I go out for a walk if I need some fresh air, instead of pushing myself everyday.

Oh I need my exercise even if it's just a good walk outside

Like a young child or puppy

Oh absolutely. I hate rest days and cannot wait till the next lifting day. I train 5 days a week now, with a non lifting day in there so I can get my fix. I really really struggle two rest days in a row.

I’m the same. It’s more about the mental health benefits for me than anything else. I also exercise 5 days a week and take spaced rest days. I only take rest days as I got injured and got so depressed as I couldn’t exercise for 6 weeks so the rest days are important. I do different things including a couple of group classes. I need the serotonin boost.

Oh I'm so much happier and less stressed during & after some concerted exercise. Keep at it!

I'm exactly the same. I can do a rest day once a week but longer than that & i get the sads.

DH will "take me for a walk" sometimes like I'm a puppy.

My dh exactly the same, like actual real anxiety catastrophising etc

Did a workout today and turns out I'm just sad. Last week I was crying within an hour of a workout because of a shit meeting at work. Fingers crossed for the applications I have pending.

Aww @Woppa hugs

Same. Got a sick child right now and haven’t left the house let alone being able to exercise since Sunday. Mood is through the floor!

Good luck OP

I feel intense sadness when I can't do my full on 5x a week exercise, have been off for a week due to injury....

Underlying all this is 3 years of crisis life, where I have bottled up all my emotions and channeling the stress into workouts

Being unable exercise for a week makes me realise how I should probably deal with some issues in my life

Friday. Busy week at work sick child - now better.

Trying to summon myself up to going to the gym tonight it’ll have to be late though and I’d rather be in my pjs.

this is why I hate it when the pattern is broken