Depression and physical excercise

[white knight]

I knew I was going to have a bad day today. It was how I woke up. I dont have a "cant get out of bed depression" rather and troubled tormented sad type with dysthymia. Often its poetry writing time.

My wife went to have lunch with her mother. So I was left to sort myself out. My wife has previously given me a task of digging up a patch of ground at the rear yard to improve our vegie garden area. So into it I went. Half way done and I was exhausted physically but mentally felt better.

Then when it was fully dug up I was done. Arms were cramping. Got a cold drink and sat there admiring my work. I then realised my depression was gone. My wife arrived home none the wiser. I felt I also achieved in that I didnt do the ritual- talk to her about it. This was indeed a day of achievement.

Do you have this "remedy" I know physically excercise can assist those with ADHD but I didnt think it help as much for depression...

[Amelbourneboy]

Hi whiteknight,

Yes i have found getting outside helps so much. I try to walk to the shops and just enjoy the peace and freedom of it. Some days the struggle though is make those steps outside the door.

p.s would you like to do my gardens? hahaha

[Jo3]

Hi WK

Yes, exercise definitely helps.  When I do get the motivation to go for a walk I enjoy it and I feel better.  

I would like to join a gym again (to lose 10 kg) but I can't afford it at the moment.  I need the push from someone; the motivation and I seem to not have it on my own.

But it's good having a dog because there's no excuse, I need to take Jersey for her daily walk.

I remember my psych and GP telling me to exercise daily as it gives you a mood lift. That's the first thing they ask me when I am really down.

 Jo

[Magyarok]

Hi WK,

I suffer from mild depression and anxiety and exercise definitely helps me to manage this.  Exercise takes my mind off things and gives me something else to focus on and it makes me feel good afterwards.  So much so that i am obsessed / addicted to exercise and i'm very competitive within my self.   If my routine is interrupted for any reason it actually leads me to feeling anxious and edgy because i can't exercise.

Exercise is great, i don't know wher i would be without it

Regards

Dave