Newbie

[PrincessMelisande]

Hi, I have just signed up so havent started tje programme yet. I was just wondering, as a depression and anxiety sufferer, if any of you have the same condition - how do you motivate yourself to get out and do it?

Any tips appreciated!

[Green-Lantern Graduate]

Hi. I think that once you’ve been once you will feel a real achievement in yourself and you build on that. Just take it slow. I’m a little anxious about seeing people as I’m quite body conscious so I go early in the morning when no one is around. Let us know how u get on x

[GetHealthy79 Graduate]

The thought of how good I feel after, the sense of accomplishment. It actually helps my anxiety. xx

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Setting out on the first session is the biggest step. Once you start you will begin to see positive results, both physically and mentally.

Many here use their exercise regime to keep anxiety and depression at bay. Running changes your brain chemistry.

Enjoy your journey, it might change your life.

[PrincessMelisande in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for pointing me towards this. Ive had a good read through and found it very interesting.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Welcome ! As a fellow endurer, I find the programme and this forum great therapy. Getting out and running, with no pressure, just Sanjeev telling me what to do and me trying to do it, is actually a treat. Then there’s the endorphins, which can hang around for hours sometimes and make the rest of the day easier. Finally there’s the boost to my self respect, knowing I’m taking myself in hand a bit after years of neglect ! You have to be patient with yourself. Some days you may not feel like running, and that’s not a crime, but if you push yourself a little you’ll find it worthwhile. Enjoy the journey x

[PrincessMelisande in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thank you for uour response. It's helpful to hear from a fellow mental health warrior

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to PrincessMelisande]

There’s a load of us here - never feel lonely x

[Glitterjav Graduate]

Hi, my anxiety was one of the main reasons I started this. It has totally helped to lift my mental state and I always feel so much more ‘alert’ after I’ve run. Once you start you will surprise yourself and look forward to it knowing how good it makes you feel. Go slow and steady and breathe. Like someone else said, there are lots of people here in the same boat so you’re not alone 😊 Good luck with it.

[PrincessMelisande in reply to Glitterjav]

Thankyou! Hopefully will make a start this week!

[Mosibyl Graduate]

I am with you on this. I guess for me, I got to that stage where I was fed up and tired of feeling like a prisoner in my own mind (and body). I just completed Week 1 and I can't quite put into words how much I look forward to Week 2. Running has slowly helped me with mental clarity. I even find myself doing a jiggle or two spontaneously around the house and whistling as I go by. These were the things I used to do a lot way before anxiety and depression robbed me of the semblance of that life.

During my runs this past week, I was also able to reflect on my life a lot and how much I had been limited by. I cried a lot of happy tears at how much I was missing by not living my life to the fullest. It felt like a therapy session that I didn't have to pay for or sit on a long couch for. I also suffer from chronic insomnia and by running a few hours before bedtime, I am able to sleep better than I have in years. I wake up ready to go and seize the day and not even the pending unread emails and work trivialities are as crippling as they used to be.

So, I guess what I am trying to say it, just give it a try. You have nothing to lose, really and a lot to potentially gain.

Sending you all of my love and hope!

XX,

Mo!

[PrincessMelisande in reply to Mosibyl]

Thanks for your kind words and support. It gives me hope!!