Does exercise improve mood or cause a crash

[Hopefulldance]

I have gone to crossfit several times now and every time without fail I crash. I have bipolar2. Does this happen to anyone else?

[TheSteve]

Hi Hopefull,

Thanks for sharing. Exercise is a well known mood enhancer, mind booster, and all around terrific treatment for depression, anxiety, nervousness, fatigue, and so forth.

However, depending on the condition we are currently in, not all exercise is suitable nor healthy. Crossfit should only be attempted if you are coming off a high fitness base (ie: you are already quite fit, and are looking to up the intensity). If you are coming off a low base, or if you are fatigued, tired, have adrenal issues etc. then crossfit (or other highly intense exercise) can feel like a disaster and deplete your body of vital energy.

Like anything, exercise must be done gradually. If you are not doing much now, then walking for a few weeks leading to slightly more intense walking/stairs/slow jog etc. would be a gradual increase and would have desired effects. Never try to increase the intensity too much, this is a gradual process.

I did notice years ago when I had depression and intense fatigue, lack of sleep etc. hard exercise would make me feel quite sick. My body needed rest, before it was ready to be highly active. Therefore, you need to listen to your body and obey it. Treat it kindly. Let it rest, then gradually increase your work rate.

All the best to you.

Steve

[sparkvark]

I haven't experienced that, although like Steve has said if I'm already worn down then trying to push myself further usually doesn't feel very good.

In your other thread you mentioned walking, yoga and gym... All in the one day? And changing sleep schedules at the same time? Do you think maybe you could be burning yourself out with all the high intensity stuff?

[MarkJT]

Hey Hopefulldance, exercise for me was brilliant. After a PTSD, depression and anxiety diagnoses, I just ran. If i woke up in a really bad way, i would run 3-4 kms flat out and basically punish myself physically. Not punish in a bad way but made sure that i knew i was working hard. This resulted in taking the edge of the depression and allowed me to get through the day.

If i woke up just so-so, i would run for an extended period of time, just cruised. That was so awesome. Clear the head, no one around and just chilled.

I ended up running three marathons in 12 mths but the 2nd one i pushed myself to finish which i did but felt crap for the next few weeks as i had pushed myself far to hard mentally. Paid a decent tax thats for sure but don't regret it.

I think exercise is great but depending on your energy levels and how much sleep you have had etc, it can definitely have a detrimental effect. On those days that you are feeling low on energy, just go for a walk around the block so still exercising but lightly.

Mark.

[Hopefulldance]

Yes over extending myself is a problem I've always had. I try put to much on my plate at once. I do this out of pure frustration. I just want to get better fast. But I hear u for now I'll just b walking and doing yoga. The walking gets me out of the house, my prison and I have always felt alive after yoga which I was doing daily until crossfit. Thanks for your feed back😊

[Hopefulldance]

Hi Steve

yeah I am well know for running before I can walk. You've given my some great insight, so for now it's back to walking and yoga both gentle exercises that won't give me a great high to crash from.

cheers

Max

[TheSteve]

Good stuff Max. Yes, build it up gradually. You have the right motivation, you know what to do, you just need to do it incrementally as opposed to all at once. Rest is critical, as is exercise - but balance is most important.

[sportsadvent]

Hi Hopefulldance's
If you have a some bush trails or even an off-road cycle paths nearby, you may even like to try a little easy mountain biking just till you build up your fitness. The sound of the trees, a gentle breeze, the smells of the outdoors...can all help you escape from the every day grind...with the added advantage of easy exercise as well. Cheers