Don’t plan one reward - plan many! Perhaps you’re doing a program like Couch to 5k. Reward YourselfĪnd we don’t just mean at the end of your journey. And if you don’t? Keep going back to the gym, or putting on your tennis shoes, or meeting your buddies for pick-up basketball. You’re working hard to overcome your depression, and that’s something worth celebrating.
Instead of lingering on your screwed-up exercise session, practice empathy for yourself. Failure may feel crushing, but the feeling can be overcome - if you’re compassionate with yourself. Don’t feel ashamed! It’s 100 percent fine to miss a spin class, skip the gym, or run out of breath on mile three. The most important thing is finding something you’ll be hard-pressed to skip. Consider playing tennis, joining a softball league, or even going to yoga at your favorite breweries. After all, “exercise” isn’t limited to Olympic track and field events. Make it easier by picking something that doesn’t feel like exercise. Here’s the theory: Motivating yourself to exercise when you’re depressed is hard. Despise running? No big deal! Running can suck. Pick an Activity you Really, Really Likeĭon’t make this harder on yourself by forcing yourself to do an exercise you hate. And that’s hard! Realistic goals make achievable goals. Remember: You’re not simply improving your body, you’re also working to improve your mind. Maybe you’re hitting the climbing gym daily. Think about where, realistically, you will be. Pumping iron like Schwarzenegger? Rocking the Chicago Marathon? Free-soloing El Capitan? To set your goals, think about where you’d like to be, physically, a few months from now. And let’s be real: Right now, you need a win. Not to mention unrealistic goals make failure more likely.
Starting small means nothing if you’re working toward unrealistic goals. You’re not a Tesla Roadster - you can’t go from zero to 60 in two seconds flat. The main point: Starting with a simpler routine gets you back in the game, and celebrating these small accomplishments builds excitement and momentum - necessary for getting back in shape. And if you’ve never set foot on a treadmill, consider walking before you run. If you ran marathons before depression reared its head, a 20-minute jog might be too easy. Of course, tailor this advice to your experience level. Instead of jumping into an intensive spin class, try yoga. Instead of a marathon, try a 20-minute jog. Start your exercise routine with tiny steps - literally. Stay in the sheets? Why not, if the alternative is “running 10 miles.”ĭon’t demand so much. Start Smallĭiving into a full-scale exercise habit is asking a lot, especially if simply getting out of bed is a struggle.
#GET IT DONE WHEN YOU RE DEPRESSED HOW TO#
Not sure how to stick to an exercise routine when you’re already feeling down? These tips may help. Plus, exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins are part of what make you happy. Exercise helps you sleep better, improves your overall health, and gives you confidence. Getting to the gym while depressed? That’s asking a lot.īut the experts aren’t wrong: a regular exercise routine does help with depression. Experts often say that exercise helps cure depression - but for many of us, regular exercise is already one of the world’s most difficult challenges.
0 kommentar(er)
