How do I motivate myself to exercise in times of stress?
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Smart Puppy asked:
I’m a runner, and I know that running relieves stress for me. However lately I’ve been very stressed out and depressed and I can’t seem to get myself out of this slump and start running so I can relieve this stress. It’s become a vicious cycle. I need to run to relieve stress, but it’s stress itself that’s preventing me to run. How do I get that motivation?
October 16th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Just thinking about the relief of stress after a workout should be enough encouragement for you to do it! Don’t let yourself get into a slump, as it will only contribute to your stress and depression.
October 17th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Easy: Take a nice, slow stroll. No special clothes or shoes required. Just get up off the furniture, grab a visor and walk around your neighborhood, and make sure to greet your neighbors. Social contact is very important to lessening depression. Fresh air and a chat should do it.
Good luck.
October 18th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Try some quick exercises that get get your heart rate up, and then see if you are motivated. I have similar symptoms, and sometimes nothing works, but more often than not, running in place vigorously for thirty seconds leaves me panting, energized, and full of endorphins.
i would recommend a tablespoon of honey 15 minutes before your workout, to help you get through the initial boggy warmup.
if you are labored, in pain, or just not feeling it after 10ish minutes, I’ve found that it is disheartening to follow through, and finish the workout, and it will serve you better in the long run to let it go for a day.
exercise is without a doubt the single most effective step I have taken to treating my depression– it worked better for me than the medications i received from my old doctor.
October 21st, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Try exercising at different times of the day to find a time that works for you. If you force yourself to get up and do it first thing in the morning, you won’t be able to talk yourself into not doing it later in the day. Is there someone you can run with? If so, schedule a time to meet them. You will be less likely to not go if you have someone waiting for you.