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Mental health benefits of exercise

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Alycat
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08 Jan 2013, 6:03 am

I've recently signed back up to the gym, and am in the 'difficult' stage at the beginning when it's hard. However, I know that if I push through I will begin to feel the mental health benefits I felt before.
Does anyone else find that regular exercise makes them feel more awake/alive, happier, less anxious? That seems to be the effect I find.


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08 Jan 2013, 10:05 am

Yes, I've found that exercise is even more important than diet in helping to stabilize my mood. A couple of tactics I use fairly successfully are to start exercising before asking myself whether I really feel up to it and then, once I've established a pattern, to rely on my need for a regular routine to keep me going. :)



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09 Jan 2013, 12:10 pm

Increased energy level: Ups your metabolism
Heightened self-confidence: Because you feel better and look better
Reduced stress: Exercise naturally helps you unwind / blow off steam

Remember to mix cardio and strength training for best results :)



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10 Jan 2013, 11:03 am

I can't live without exercising. And regardless of my current physical condition and weight, the more I exercise the better I feel. Its all about the feel good chemicals caused by exercising.


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corroonb
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10 Jan 2013, 11:18 am

I find exercise is the easiest way for me to deal with anxiety, stress or depression. It usually results in better sleep too and hugely increased energy levels. I walk my dog 3 hours every day for about 10-15k and I do a core strength and weight routine for about 30 mins to an hour. I would join a gym but I would find the environment too loud and stimulating for me to enjoy the experience. I'm lucky that I have a great dog and a great area for walking very close to where I live. I have tried jogging or running but I usually injure myself.



auntblabby
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11 Jan 2013, 1:33 am

regular exercise seems to have made my thinking clearer. :idea:



Janissy
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11 Jan 2013, 8:35 am

Alycat wrote:
Does anyone else find that regular exercise makes them feel more awake/alive, happier, less anxious? That seems to be the effect I find.


Regular exercise upregulates dopamine receptors, making the brain more sensitive to circulating dopamine. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that causes those good feelings. Yay exercise!



rabidmonkey4262
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11 Jan 2013, 11:48 pm

corroonb wrote:
I find exercise is the easiest way for me to deal with anxiety, stress or depression. It usually results in better sleep too and hugely increased energy levels. I walk my dog 3 hours every day for about 10-15k and I do a core strength and weight routine for about 30 mins to an hour. I would join a gym but I would find the environment too loud and stimulating for me to enjoy the experience. I'm lucky that I have a great dog and a great area for walking very close to where I live. I have tried jogging or running but I usually injure myself.
Dogs are so great for exercise. I trained my dog to run beside me while I bike and we race down the path. He can maintain 23+mph for quite a while. I'm usually more winded than he is.


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14 Jan 2013, 5:45 am

I run or swim when I can. In general, it helps me get out that extra energy and be more focused on things when I want to. So like an ADHD med that I control within my brain, and has no negative side effects, except for when I get knee issues from running. That and exercise, running most of all, just plain makes me feel happy.