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

[Judi9877]

For me, I go through phases where I want to look good and clothes don't fit so that gets me motivated to exercise but like certain things in my life with my MH, it loses its shine and then I'm back to the start again. It's hard.

[Poppyfriend543]

Hi Everyone, this is my first time attending Topic Tuesdays!!! 🙂 I was wondering if mindful eating, such as keeping a food journal is a good thing for someone who has a moderate level of physical activity? I enjoy spending time in nature as it has helped a lot with my anxiety and depression levels, finding it a little bit difficult to find the time to catch up with friends to go on hikes as I have online studies and also work. 

Although i don't personally have Diabetes at this stage others in my family do have it and I would like to be a little bit proactive because i am still somewhat young. 

Thanks in advance!

[Oaktree]

At the moment nothing is motivating me but I know that I can get motivated as I walked well over 100 kms last October as part of Mental Health Month.

[Former-Member]

I don't know about everyone else here, but it's reassuring to me that other people are experiencing similar things- like impacts of covid on the physical activity we might like to be doing, struggling with motivation, etc 

[Anastasia]

Motivation

@Peregrinefalcon 

Good question... sometimes digging deeper than others. I think for me is 

A) keeping mental health in check

B) avoiding high BP and meds

Previously medicated  and hospitalised for dangerously high BP. Exercise brought it under control. No need for meds now. 

Both issues in the past

[Gwynn]

I’ve never had a good relationship with exercise because I was a sick kid and the exercises that the adults said would help never did. My parents made me play tball and softball up until the age of 12. In the last couple of years, through the NDIS, I have been exercising for an hour a week with an exercise physiologist. I can see a difference now in terms of my strength and daily pain levels.

[Eve7]

Thanks @Daisydreamer 

Standing on the field coaching is my safe place. I have a squad of highly motivated athletes but I can’t say what I specifically coach as it would be too easy to find out who I am. I do have some National champions and I am so grateful to those who have supported me knowing my mh journey actually it overwhelms me that anyone trusts me but on the field it’s like I’m free of my mi.

I also have a group of friends and we meet together every Saturday for a run together by the beach followed by breakfast.

I believe exercise helps our mh but having said that I know of several sports people who have tragically succumbed to their mi so exercise is not a cure.

[Shaz51]

It's hard to get motivated some days, , Very true @bipolarbunny , as my husband has bipolar 2 and sometimes it is nothing and then other time is full steam ahead 

after work if we finish each it is nearly impossible to get up and exercise @Daisydreamer , @Former-Member , @Peregrinefalcon 

[Peregrinefalcon]

(adding some tags in here: @Fluttershy1 @apc) 🙂 
This feeling of insecurity can be really common. That feeling of "I should be doing XYZ...". I try to do a bit of CBT-style thought questioning: Is this true? Will not doing this really change how I look? What evidence is there for that? 

For me, I know I have done too much when I am feeling exhausted within myself - that exercise is feeling like a chore, not like a fun activity. Another thing that I will ask myself is what is driving my desire to work out today - is it to enjoy moving my body, or is it out of guilt or obligation? This can be a good indicator that I might need to take it easier on myself 

[Daisydreamer]

Question 2: What gets you motivated to get active?

For me I feel motivated when I have a goal. For example, signing up for a walk or a hike. It's helps me to stay motivated and get moving. 

Winter is usually really challenging for me, so walking with someone else makes a difference, or playing social sport. Being accountable to others and enjoying the socialising helps me to stick to plans I make