Running has cleared my head and I feel "normal" for the first time in years.

[runningqueen]

I am a name changer and do not usually post on this board. I have suffered with low level depression and anxiety disorder for years with every couple of months deteriorating into panic disorder.

About 2 months ago I started jogging and now run 30 minutes a day 4 - 5 times a week. In the past month I have started to sort out all my finances and started redecorating my home - two things that I would have felt impossible to get on with before I started running.

I have been advised to exercise before and had indoor exercise equipment but it never worked for me the way that going out running has seemed to. I know it sounds incredibly simplistic but I am nearly forty and I feel better than I have done in years. I just wanted to pass it on really because I feel like my life has changed. Maybe if you are dealing with something similar you could give it a try.

Well done you.

Oh gosh - I second the motion !! Glad its helping you.

I do not have depression but have been going through a difficult-ish time with failing to conceive DC2/fertility treatment etc and started running in January and I credit it with keeping me feeling (most of the time) level headed.

(and I've lost about 17 pounds which also makes me feel shallow happy)

Well I finally lost the last 12 pounds of baby weight so that really cheered me up also.

I don't really know what it is about it. I just feel so happy and upbeat when I come back especially if I go first thing in the morning I feel good for the day. A knock on effect is that I don't want to eat crap after it so my diet has improved, which obviously helps with the depression as well.

Well done you,

Lovely post, well done you! People don't believe that exercise and a good diet can make a difference, but for some people it can COMPLETELY turn things around. Well done.

Wow, you have all inspired me to have a go. But, who is looking after your DC's whilst you're out running? That is my biggest problem, I have nobody to mind DS who is 2 so how can I manage a run?

hooray for you runningqueen. me too and it is so confidence boosting.

oneplusone i have exercise times absolutely set. this means firstly that i have childcare covered and secondly that i really do have to do it.

maybe your local leisure centre has a creche? or sure start (if you are in an area) will have arrangements.