It's messy. It can be chaotic. It takes strength in the face of unrest. But thats what makes love beautiful. Isn't it? The effort. The payoffs. The ups. The Downs. The depth. The sinking. The floating. At the end of the tunnel, there is a triumph. These 2 habits have changed my life and I know a ton of mental health fighters who have had a dramatic increase in their well being because of this. I still struggle with mental illness. Bipolar, anxiety, and massive depression. But the difference is, instead of unhealthy food, marijuana, or alcohol - I do these instead. Best of all. I feel completely peaceful after they are completed. Here they are!
1. Exercise: Many of us are very likely fighting for our lives on a daily basis. Exercise can be more/as effective as a medical intervention. If you exercise, it can alleviate anxiety and chronic depression. When we exercise, there is a release of serotonin, production of neurons, and other biomechanical processes that occur when we exercise. Its nothing short of a wonder drug. Most days I don't feel like it. But I have to go or else I will be a mess! Exercise doesn't have to be boring! Anything that gets your body going is an accomplishment. I started off by doing 10 minutes of walking each day. Then worked my way up! Although.
2. Diet. Most of the foods we eat daily are killing us. Most of the foods that are advertised, make mental health worse. We don't have the luxury of eating bad foods on a daily basis. I started to get a breakthrough in this area when I had a better understanding of gut health and inflammation. 95% of your serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract. The health of the neurons, cells, and environment inside your body are directly proportional to the food you put into it. I always allow myself a cheat meal of my choosing each week (Saturday), I count my calories, and I stay away from foods that will endanger my mental health further.
Taking up these habits can be the greatest act of love that you provide for yourself. You will feel better, think clearer, and look better too! It's not easy. I still struggle with mental illness. It's still a fight. Sometimes it feels I can't do it anymore. But it happens way less often and I am more stable when I do these. My days with these habits are significantly better. Even on a horrible day.
If you have habits that have changed your life. Please, comment! I would love to learn what other people are doing to get healthier. Also
My depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses have been a struggle for me since I was 14. From 13-20 I was overweight and didn't properly take care of myself. Until one day, I tore my meniscus playing basketball. I was overweight, unhealthy, and my knees had suffered because of it. I decided that I would take control of my physical health, even if my mental health stood at the door to torture me. But who knew taking care of my physical health would be one of the best habits and choices I ever made. This is me. Before/after. 193 lbs to 129 lbs. I hope I can shed some inspiration. We are all on this journey together! All of you inspire me to keep fighting!
Written by
brettedwardcory
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18 Replies
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Hi, brettedwardcory! I have ocd, which is caused due to a lack of serotonin in the brain. Do you think exercise might help me at all?
Hi Greensummer! Absolutley. It could be lifechanging for you. According to research done by Alex Korb PhD, (website psychology today) exercise increases seretonine production and its release. Other clinical trials and scientists are pretty unanimous about the benefits of exercise. Especially aerobic activity such as biking, swimming or running.
If youre not used to working out, 1 hour will be hard to stick with! I started off with just doing 10 to 15 minutes a day. But! If you can do an hour consistently then thats awesome. 4 days of 15 minute workouts will be more helpful then 1 day of working out.
Yes. I workout everyday. I takeoff 1 day to 2 days. It really is the difference between crippling anxiety and empowerment in my life. Im serious. It WILL act as medicine to your depression, anxiety, and mental illness.
I have been doing Zumba almost every day with my sister. So yes I am used to working out. When we first started doing Zumba, about a year, we only did it for 10 or 15 minutes. Now I do it for about 30 to 45 minutes. I also mow the lawn a lot, which i heard was good exercise. Actually i did noticed when I stopped doing Zumba for a few months due to my anxiety and depression, that my OCD thoughts got worse. Thank you so much for your help and encouragement!💗
Thats awesome Greensummer! You already know whatsup : ) I know a ton of people who have radically changed their lives through doing zumba. I love gardening, mowing, or anything with physical exercise. It feels really good when im done! I notice my anxiety is worse when I dont go. Even on the day to day. Im so happy to hear youre killing it!
Hi Brett, thank you for sharing! This is really inspiring. For years, my therapist has always pushed me to exercise more regularly and change my diet to help me in my struggle with generalized anxiety disorder and depression. I can't tell you the number of times I've started, and end up failing because I struggle so much with motivation from my depression. I then feel even worse that I haven't been able to stick to it. I used to be in good shape from playing sports growing up, but I have no stamina anymore, and have spent the latter half of my 20's out of shape.
I struggle with mental illness. That has always been a difficult thing for me to admit. Even speaking about it here is hard sometimes. When I received my generalized anxiety disorder and depression diagnoses about a decade ago, it was a relief in a small way because it made my struggles make sense, but it's always been a battle that I have yet to figure out how to manage. But I'm going to keep trying to take charge of my physical health in hopes that it will help me in my battle to improve my mental health. Again, thank you so much for sharing!
Hi bluestars! Thank you for opening up. I am also very sorry to hear about your struggles with mental health.
I could never stay with a workout routine because I would get discouraged from the inability to stick with it. I also felt shame and dispaire because I would constantly think I was weak for not sticking with it. I started by working out, doing a little bit at a time. My first day of commitment, I could only do 10 pushups. Whatever age you are, you can turn this ship around one little win at a time.
Thank you. I'm sorry to hear about your struggles with mental health too. If I go slowly with the exercise and get some consistency maybe I can be successful.
Fabulous work brettedwardcory! What fantastic motivation hearing this is!!!
At 52 I'm still doing P90X et al and running my butt off. I learned 30 years ago what good medicine exercise and good diet are for my mind. Not a total cure IMO but a huge part of the treatment plan! Thank you for the inspiration 🏃♀️👍🏻
Thats amazing! A young 52 and crushing P90X? Not easy at any age! HUGE respect! It is absolutely good medicine for the mind. Thank YOU calm_mama for the inspiration back! Appreciate you sharing!
I’m trying to get myself motivated to start exercising. Unfortunately motivation is pretty much out the window when depression is involved.
I’m almost as heavy as I was when I was pregnant with my oldest. I’m so ashamed I let my weight go like that. I’m one of those people who have to continue indefinitely with the exercising and calorie counting in order to keep the weight off. I think after awhile I must’ve gotten too comfortable and let myself go.
I know that if I can get myself back in shape I’ll feel at least a little better in many ways plus maybe I won’t be pre diabetic anymore. Definitely worth the effort if I can just get myself started and then stick to it.
Thanks for the info you provided - definitely got me thinking.
Thank you for being open. Its very hard to go to the gym when youre depressed. I completely agree! Just get 1 or 2 small wins when youre in a psychological storm, the calmness at the end will be worth it. Not only will you feel better, but youll feel empowered, alive, and more free!
Its the best investment you can make for your mental health and life. Health is more valuable than any riches the world has to offer. I know the road to getting physically healthy isn't easy, but depression always makes us think there isnt joy, reward, or excitement involved in the process. We tend to think it will all be a horrible and dreadfull grind. Its just not the case. But our brain can be a MF! Even fasting has a high involved with its process. So does working out! The high will either come later or during. You can become addicted to it!
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