Exercise

[kglassman]

I know that exercise is supposed to be good for mental health,but my anxiety and depression is so bad I have no motivation. All I want to do is stay in bed all day

[Jdavid2000]

I know that feeling! I even put jogging and working out on my work calendar to prompt me, but it doesn't work.

In the book Feeling Good by David Burns, there's a whole chapter on what he calls "do-nothingism" that describes exactly how we feel here. I just read it so I haven't tried yet, but he gives several strategies for overcoming this, and he actually makes the point that motivation comes from action, not the other way around. It's an interesting read but I find that I may have to apply one of his techniques to have the motivation to apply his techniques...lol Maybe worth looking at for you too, though.

[Olinick]

I know exactly how you feel. I use to teach fitness classes but with health issues and my mental health issues I no longer do that. I knew I really needed to start back exercising so I found a class I can go to. It is only 2 days a week but it doesn't cost me anything and knowing I have the class to go to motivates me to do it. It is so easy to let the depression and anxiety do the talking and stay in bed. Having someone expecting me to exercise is such a big help. Good luck.

[maslater]

Exercise only helped me after the meds started working. Maybe you should change or start medication.

[morenews]

what i know about myself: it is very difficult to start...or resume exercises. But if you push yourself (and i don't see any other way) for sometime, to make it a habit, routine, then it might work, and will be easier to get out of bed and do it, even if you skip some planned day ...you still will go back next day. Something like that...When i stay in bed and postpone every time doing something which i wanted to do ...and which is good for me( as i know), i feel even worse, and weaker. I am far from perfect, and i fail to do what i preach, like tonight for example. I planned to do 2 sets of exercises tonight, i did only one for 30 mins. and i just can not make myself to do the second one. Well, it happens...and i forgive myself, and tonight i plan to do it tomorrow night. And i hope i will. But pushing yourself is part of this fight. Good luck to you!

[wanttofeelbetternow]

Baby steps. Try just doing some yoga poses in bed...I know it sounds silly but it gets blood moving. My bad I wanna stay in bed all day mood is usually helped doing that. Then if that helps go outside for a walk? Bike ride maybe. The sun is very beneficial to me.

[Loveiskind12]

I can definitely relate ... I always start going for like a week or two but then end up stopping... Or only go once in a while.