Exercise works wonders

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#1 Jul 8 - 8AM
NinjaGirl
NinjaGirl's picture

Exercise works wonders

If you're grieving, if you're feeling like your self-esteem is shot, start exercising if you aren't already.

Toward the end of the relationship I was really slacking in the exercise department. I wasn't even going to martial arts at the time because of some money issues (that are now resolved).

Now I'm back at martial arts, I bought a bike for myself (and a helmet for the moms out there), and I'm going to the gym four times a week. I'm walking/running - building up to just running again - and I'm also lifting weights.

All of these things are not only making me physically stronger and getting me into kick-ass shape again, but they're really sharpening me mentally and emotionally.

It's really hard to think about the ex when I'm running and just trying to keep my breathing where it should be. And it's hard to think about him when I'm bench pressing and focusing on form and not dropping the bar, or when I'm doing leg curls and all I can think about is that the muscle is sore, but I need to do another 10 reps.

And then when I get done, I have those fun endorphins going through me, and then I'm REALLY not thinking about him.

So yeah, if you aren't exercising now, please try and start. Even if it's just 20 minutes of walking a day.

And if you are exercising, GOOD FOR YOU! I bet you can attest to how much it can really help.

Jul 9 - 1PM
Amy
Amy's picture

Absolutely!

I was working quite a bit for the last 3 months, and then stopped last week because I had been (ahem) staying out late and going to the beach and stuff! THis was my first week at work, so I have been unable to fit it into my schedule. I am not too thrilled about that - I feel better about myself when I work out! And Ninjagirl - alternating between walking and running (intervals) is actually more effective than going for a long run according to the trainers at my gym! :)
Jul 9 - 1PM
smileyfacepr
smileyfacepr's picture

ninjagirl

I am so proud of u..definetly sound like ur on the right track in many aspects!!! I have tried to get motivated for along time cant seem to do it!! Ill keep trying!

smileyfacepr

Jul 8 - 11AM
Lisa E. Scott
Lisa E. Scott's picture

Working Out

Great post, NinjaGirl. I cannot speak highly enough about the healing power of exercise! I have become addicted to the endorphin rush of working out. Without it, I get crabby. Working out while in recovery is hard to do because it is the last thing you feel like doing. However, I have found certain exercise can help you channel your anger. Kickboxing is a great exercise for this purpose. My kickboxing instructor used to say: "I love watching Lisa kickbox because it's so obvious she has a very specific target in mind when she is kicking and punching." And he was right. I did! I was getting over my EXN and to picture him as a target when I hit helped incredibly with my anger. Recently, when all the drama on the board occurred, I asked my trainer if we could box. It was such a great release and I really needed it. I got out so much agression that I ripped the skin open on both my forefinger knuckles. They're still healing! Anyway, you get the point. I'm rambling. Here's an article from the Mayo Clinic with more info. on the benefits and healing power of exercise...... Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms Depression symptoms often improve with exercise. Here are some realistic tips to help you get started and stay motivated. By Mayo Clinic staff You have anxiety or depression — and exercise seems like the last thing you want to do. But once you get motivated, exercise can make a big difference. Exercise helps prevent and improve a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. Research on anxiety, depression and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help reduce anxiety and improve mood. The links between anxiety, depression and exercise aren't entirely clear — but working out can definitely help you relax and make you feel better. Exercise may also help keep anxiety and depression from coming back once you're feeling better. How does exercise help depression and anxiety? Exercise probably helps ease depression in a number of ways, which may include:  Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters and endorphins)  Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression  Increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects Exercise has many psychological and emotional benefits too. It can help you:  Gain confidence. Meeting exercise goals or challenges, even small ones, can boost your self-confidence. Getting in shape can also make you feel better about your appearance.  Take your mind off worries. Exercise is a distraction that can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression.  Get more social interaction. Exercise may give you the chance to meet or socialize with others. Just exchanging a friendly smile or greeting as you walk around your neighborhood can help your mood.  Cope in a healthy way. Doing something positive to manage anxiety or depression is a healthy coping strategy. Trying to feel better by drinking alcohol, dwelling on how badly you feel, or hoping anxiety or depression will go away on their own can lead to worsening symptoms. What kind of exercise is best? The word "exercise" may make you think of running laps around the gym. But a wide range of activities that boost your activity level help you feel better. Certainly running, lifting weights, playing basketball and other fitness activities that get your heart pumping can help. But so can gardening, washing your car, or strolling around the block and other less intense activities. Anything that gets you off the couch and moving is exercise that can help improve your mood. You don't have to do all your exercise at once, either. Broaden how you think of exercise and find ways to fit activity into your routine. Add small amounts of physical activity throughout your day. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park a little farther away at work to fit in a short walk. Or, if you live close to your job, consider biking to work. How much is enough? Doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day, for three to five days a week can significantly improve depression symptoms. But smaller amounts of activity — as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time — can make a difference. It may take less time exercising to improve your mood when you do more-vigorous activities such as running or bicycling. How do I get started — and stay motivated? Starting and sticking with an exercise routine can be a challenge. Here are some steps that can help. Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program to make sure it's safe for you.  Identify what you enjoy doing. Figure out what type of physical activities you're most likely to do, and think about when and how you'd be most likely to follow through. For instance, would you be more likely to do some gardening in the evening or go for a jog in the pre-dawn hours? Go for a bike ride or play basketball with your children after school? Do what you enjoy to help you stick with it.  Get your mental health provider's support. Talk to your doctor or other mental health provider for guidance and support. Discuss concerns about an exercise program and how it fits into your overall treatment plan.  Set reasonable goals. Your mission doesn't have to be walking for an hour five days a week. Think realistically about what you may be able to do. Tailor your plan to your own needs and abilities rather than trying to meet unrealistic guidelines that you're unlikely to meet.  Don't think of exercise as a chore. If exercise is just another "should" in your life that you don't think you're living up to, you'll associate it with failure. Rather, look at your exercise schedule the same way you look at your therapy sessions or medication — as one of the tools to help you get better.  Address your barriers. Figure out what's stopping you from exercising. If you feel self-conscious, for instance, you may want to exercise at home. If you stick to goals better with a partner, find a friend to work out with. If you don't have money to spend on exercise gear, do something that's virtually cost-free, such as walking. If you think about what's stopping you from exercising, you can probably find an alternative solution.  Prepare for setbacks and obstacles. Give yourself credit for every step in the right direction, no matter how small. If you skip exercise one day, that doesn't mean you can't maintain an exercise routine and may as well quit. Just try again the next day. Do I need to see my doctor? Talk to your doctor to make sure you know which activities, how much exercise and what intensity level is OK for you. Your doctor will consider any medications you take and health conditions you have. He or she may also have some good advice about getting started and staying motivated. If you exercise regularly but anxiety or depression symptoms still interfere with your daily living, see your doctor or other mental health provider. Exercise is a great way to ease symptoms of anxiety or depression, but it isn't a substitute for psychotherapy, medications or other treatment. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/MH00043/NSECTIONGROUP=2
Jul 8 - 8AM
ClusterF
ClusterF's picture

You're right

It's been a lifesaver for me to go to the gym. Sometimes I really don't want to but I'm always so glad after I do.
Jul 8 - 8AM
NinjaGirl
NinjaGirl's picture

Oh, and...

...thinking about is ex is nearly impossible in martial arts. To not focus on what you're doing could be dangerous to yourself AND your partner. So when in doubt, exercise.
Jul 8 - 8AM (Reply to #2)
Happy1
Happy1's picture

exercise sounds good just to

exercise sounds good just to not be able to think of the ex for a while. Also getting in great shape on top of it. I may take a day or two do get into it but I will try it. I will try a walk today at least. thanks
Jul 8 - 8AM (Reply to #3)
NinjaGirl
NinjaGirl's picture

Yay!

*big hugs* The hardest part is just making yourself do it, because when you're depressed, exercise is the last thing you want to do. But it's also one of the most important things you can do for yourself.