exercise & depression/tough times

I don't know if anyone here has ever considered their exericise as also helpful during times of personal tough times/depression. But certainly at different low periods in life over the last few..well..yea..almost 2 decades..cycling every day was helpful to me. It didn't solve big personal problems. (ie. finding a job).

But produced some daily endorphins, as exercise normally does and kept my motivation going. At least get me out of bed and out of the house temporarily.

Just the simple in-the-moment goal, to climb a small hill (and succeed doing it) and finish a ride, no matter how short or long, gave me the extra push to continue on in other areas of my life each day.

I used to be the business manager for a psychological clinic. When treating depression, the first thing prescribed was a regular regimen of exercise. In a lot of cases, anitdepressents were not needed. I can certainly say that during rough times in my life, exercise was a primary focus. I think one of the hardest things to overcome in starting an exercise program -- no may what it is -- is sticking with it long enough that it becames a habit and you realize you don't feel as good if you don't exercise.

I hate exercising cyclinggal, but I also have to agree with your post. I always feel so much better when I have exercised. Its just getting started that sabotages me everytime.

Given my personality tendencies...which is a direct style of communication, my temperment (inheriting a slightly explosive temper at times from dear mama), and my introspective tendencies, I know that for myself, if I didn't exercise often enough....I would be a far angrier person --with a tremendous backache..from tension. 'Cause that is what truly what happens to me if I don't exercise for a long time.

cyclinggal, I wish more doctors recommended exercise before prescribing. I know that in some cases, medication is needed. I've been there and done that after a car accident. However, I think regular exercise could be prescribed in some cases. Then come back and see me in a month.

Thanks to DD I'm back in action. I missed a month of waling when caring for two elderly loved ones who were in crisis. I knew I needed it most during that stressful period, but couldn't squeeze it in.

DD mentioned going out the door in the morning with her husband and it moved me to do the same. At first, he was dropping me off, but I decided to drive, and leave at the same time he leaves. I need soemthing to get me out the door and this is doing the trick.

I was trained on the weights last week and did my first weight work-out this morning. It definitely gives my mood a boost.

The only thing I don't like abot exercise is that it seems like the more you do, the more you have to do to amintain your weight.

I once walked a half hour five days a week. Never gained a pound. Lately, I've walked an hour and have been gaining weight. I know it has to do with perimenopause, but it's so unfair!