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

[Judi9877]

@Peregrinefalcon how do you get motivated to exercise when you have mental health issues? I've always found exercise a chore and boring because I was made to do it although I did love studying VCE Phys Ed at school in the 90s. How do you flip the script as such?

[Anastasia]

I loved studying fitness, a highlight for me. I was awarded Distinctions. I had two babies it took a year to master my certificate and then working was a challenge as a single mum with nights and weekends and little ones so it never took off. I've always been passionate though about the effects on mental health it has and strive to get my boy involved in any form of exercise.

@Shaz51 @Daisydreamer @Eve7 @Peregrinefalcon @Former-Member all here

[Forumuser]

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? 

[bipolarbunny]

@Daisydreamer Sport and exercise have always been a very important part of my life. I guess in a way I always defined myself as an athlete. I was a martial arts instructor for over 30 years and competed nationally & internationally. When I become ill and was diagnosed I had to give it away. I really lost myself & my identity. For a lot of years I did nothing had no reason to get up in the morning, no purpose in life. So I tried to find a goal to find my mojo or at least cope better. I started running again. It was not easy. I could barely run 100 metres. But I started slow with walk/shuffle and eventually after a year did a few half marathons. I then decided I needed a crazy goal, so I got into triathlon. So this old body runs, swims, bikes, hikes, runs trails. I have a plan I stick to so I don't go overboard when I'm manic and injure myself. But I feel like getting back into exercise has given me a reason to be excited again, to get out of bed and push through the hard days with my MI. 
I feel like if I'm moving, I'm living. On the days I can't get outside to move, I struggle. 

BB 🐰💙

[Olly]

Hi everyone, sorry I  have only just logged on. I really find exercise difficult to get motivated about, so don't make time for it. I used to walk my dog several times a week, but fractured my ankle so stopped. Since then getting back to being active has been hard.  

I know how important it is- but no motivation. Has anyone found ways to manage this for themselves? 

[apc]

I find walking helps me with my MH and now have also taken up biking, I fine comfort in doing this walk alot during the week (to and from work) and generally do long bike ride on a Saturday and do this just with by myself, I think the motivation is that I don't have to be home alone all the time

[Peregrinefalcon]

@apc @Fluttershy1 

There are some really good points around over-exercise here, too.

It is important to note here that there is definitely a time when there can be too much, or when it can become harmful to our mental and physical health. For example – strong feelings of guilt around exercise, pushing yourself to exhaustion constantly, or basing your goals around feelings of shame around your body

[Daisydreamer]

That "me time" is a beautiful part of physical activity @Peregrinefalcon

A fellow bushwalker @Shaz51, that is also my activity of choice 🙂

@Eve7 that sounds amazing! Do you enjoy coaching? I'd love to hear more about the sports you play

[Former-Member]

a) I'm not as physically active as I used to be- especially since covid with a lot more working from home instead of commuting. It's something I want to do more of in my life but I'm still figuring out what that will look like 

b) I enjoy bushwalks, swimming in natural bodies of water, and fun things like occasional laser tag 

@Fluttershy1 it's certainly not an easy thing to navigate but it sounds like you're really trying which is amazing ⭐️

[Anastasia]

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@Daisydreamer wrote:

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@Anastasia wrote:

Relationship

A bit strained with covid. I have a membership to a.local gym. I enjoy group classes. Although I do these usually.by.myself.lol as they are virtual as in the instructor is on the tv.

Enjoy

Walking, riding bike, yoga, Pilates, 

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That is something I think a lot of people can relate to @Anastasia with covid Defintiely changed a lot of people's routines with activity. How do you find the virtual classes?

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I do enjoy the virtual classes. My anxiety has been extreme due to covid so virtual makes me feel as though I'm safe whilst still exercising and doing something for me. @Daisydreamer everyone