Topic Tuesday // Physical Activity and Mental Health // Tues 6th July, 7:00-8:30PM AEST

[Fluttershy1]

@Peregrinefalcon @Daisydreamer @Shaz51 @Eve7 @Gwynn - music and having a shower before. Eating 

[Gwynn]

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@Forumuser wrote:

Hi all   l get good results from exercise when motivation is working .l wonder is it simply mood management for the  short duration or could exercise help over longer time  dealing with "core issues" ...l have never come across anything written on this ? How does exercise help longer term mental health? 

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My belief is that it helps through neuroplasticity.

[Former-Member]

@Adge I really relate to social engagement being a big motivating factor for physical activity! I used to play a team sport which meant I would regularly do physical activity because I was part of a whole team. Without that in my life now and just relying on my own motivation, I find it hard to motivate myself to be more physically active. 

I really hope your classes can start up again as soon as possible- I'm sorry to hear about the impact their cancellation has had for you  It's definitely a challenging time 

[Fluttershy1]

Okay, Thankyou @Peregrinefalcon 

@That is helpful

[Daisydreamer]

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@Peregrinefalcon wrote:

Question 2: What gets you motivated to get active?

I enjoy the sense of energy it gives me – especially if I am having a day where I am feeling low.

- Doing an activity that I genuinely enjoy. If it is something I don’t really like, I will keep putting it off and procrastinating

- Scheduling a regular time that works best for me. I know that I have the most energy in the mornings and that if I say to myself "I'll work out later..." it won't happen! 

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Regular time makes such a difference and enjoying what you do 🙂 It's always hard to keep with an activity that isn't enjoyable

[Peregrinefalcon]

Excellent point @Eve7 . 

I think many are sick of exercise being framed as the great secret to managing mental health.

It is can be a key piece in the recovery journey - but it is certainly not the magic solution as it can sometimes be framed

[Daisydreamer]

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@Oaktree wrote:

Good evening all sorry I am late to the discussion. Excited to be involved as I am sedentary at the moment and need to start contemplating some exercise to help with my mental health.

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Welcome @Oaktree  That's great to hear and hoping you find something you might be interested in thinking about from this discussion 🙂 

[bipolarbunny]

I think the boring aspect comes in when you are doing something you don't want to do or don't enjoy doing. Also it can become overwhelming setting big goals, so I personally think the key to becoming active is picking something you like to do or would like to learn and setting small weekly goals. And not expecting too much too soon. Start off slow, walk to the end of your street and watch the sunset one night. Everyone loves a sunset 🙂

BB 🐰💙

[Daisydreamer]

Question 3: @Peregrinefalcon  How has physical activity been shown to promote mental health and wellbeing?

For the community: How does it feel and what do you think when you do physical activity? Do you notice an impact on your mental health?

[Daisydreamer]

@Forumuser Question 3 might help to answer a few of your questions 🙂