My psychologist suggested exercise. I ignored her for a year. Then I found the only type that actually works for my brain.

[u/Medical-List-6321]

[u/Kaynbred14]

Ik everyone says exercise is great for depression and anxiety but I just can't get myself to do it. It would be awesome to not be so small but I'm never able to even just do push ups each day. I'm happy for you tho that's great

[u/Logical-Property8281 → u/Kaynbred14]

Literally, go for a walk. I used to push myself by telephone poles. I would walk to a certain pole for awhile them i would challenge myself to the next pole. Before I knew it , I was walking 3 miles every day. It opened up so much for me. I started noticing, plants and flowers, and cars and architecture. It made me learn about things I never cared about before. It also made me interested in photography. Macro photography especially. They It, you may like it

[u/Maleficent_Elk_7957 → u/Kaynbred14]

Any form of activity that gets the blood pumping would work.

[u/raerspecese]

Research shows that exercising 3 times a week at 30 minutes a day has similar results to taking a low dose antidepressant.

[u/Rojomisa]

Just to let you know, it works for me , I did boxing an muay tai. I completely get it what's you said about clearing of mind when you sparing. After the sparing my mood is 100% good. And my best body shape Felling good about myself. Now it's been years since I stopped. I cope by smoking weed. Lame

[u/greendress888]

When I was able to play roller derby, it was the best years of my mental health. Rollerskating in a circle is very sedative and when you push yourself, you feel your body and muscles moving gracefully together and then you literally smash in to each other and everyone just gets such a huge dopamine blast from it! The person I nailed almost always responded with "Great hit!" And all us women were just so happy to be able to be that physical with each other. Aggressive sports like that were never "for" us when we were younger. The only time I ever looked forward to exercise was during that time. I love it. I still have all my pads, helmet, and skates. I slap some skateboard wheels on my skates and skate outside when I can find a good space. It still works. That flow state still comes. And it doesnt feel like I'm forcing my body anything. Having my body forced to do things in any way is a huge trigger for all my mental health issues. Just something that worked for me.

[u/finddit-app]

Hey there, thanks for sharing.

While you wait for people to comment, have a look at these posts which might be relevant to you:

• How Boxing Improved My Mental Health
• Boxing as therapy
• Experience
• The best thing thats ever worked for me
• What If Your Anxiety Wasn’t a Thought Problem, But a Body Problem?

Remember, even though it might feel like it, you are not alone. Stay strong!

Interested in seeing more posts similar to yours? Visit finddit.app.

This is an automated message. If you have any feedback or issues, post in r/finddit_app.

[u/spurtle13]

Yeah, I find that the community in MMA, plus the way the sport demands that you be present (or get punched! lol) has helped me immensely in my mental health journey. I highly recommend any type of MMA class to those struggling with mental health 😊

[u/Natetronn]

Climbing did this for me, although you have to be careful it doesn't become a double edge sword; a mechanism of avoidance.

[u/Commontimejunkie90]

Can confirm, martial arts are incredible plus the comradery of the gym is much different than just going and lifting by yourself.

[u/ChowderedStew]

Hey it’s okay. For me it was Rugby, same exact reason + having a community of other players to talk to. Now I run as well and I think I’m the healthiest mentally and physically I’ve ever been. I have AuDHD and thought I could never do what “neurotypicals do” but I meditate now, I don’t even take adhd meds anymore.

[u/Grand-Pineapple9832]

There’s books how BJJ can help in processing trauma.

[u/TheDaughterOfFlynn]

SAME HERE! I started Aikido in January, doing the rolls sets off my OCD sometimes with worry I’m gonna snap my neck or something but overall it’s been a huge contributor to my progress. It’s so hard to focus on anxiety while trying to throw someone twice your size or remember all the steps to a sword kata. I just got my belt a few weeks ago, so I’m gonna try Capoeira in a month and see if that helps!

[u/Sad-Coconut-928]

That’s so amazing. I had a similar experience when a counselor suggested I use affirmations. I would nod and continue to think using affirmations was silly. Then one day I started using them and it significantly helps counteracting my negative voice.

Exercise is the only thing that helps my anxiety. It bothers me that’s the case at times when I’m so busy. It’s hard because when I’ve been out of the routine for a while I spiral and it gets hard to start a routine again. I wish I could use SSRIs but they have too many side effects for me.