Depression and no time to exercise!

kitten8u
kitten8u Posts: 19 Member
edited November 15 in Health and Weight Loss
I can't be the only one depressed with no time to exercise, but has anyone over come this, if so please share your wisdom!! Thank you.
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Replies

  • galgenstrick
    galgenstrick Posts: 2,086 Member
    Surely you have 45 minutes 3x a week to exercise. Just wake up a bit earlier?
  • upoffthemat
    upoffthemat Posts: 679 Member
    edited January 2017
    Chances are you really have some time. Even if it is five minutes at a time. Remember that motivation is more of a side effect of action than a call to action. Just do something even if it is a little bit and you hate it. Chances are you will feel a little better and be able to do more.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    Can you describe your schedule? We may be able to make a few suggestions.
  • kitten8u
    kitten8u Posts: 19 Member
    I work 24 hour shifts, am doing a part time uni course and trying to do up a house. I do try to walk as often as I can, but Its no way near enough to be healthy.
  • vespiquenn
    vespiquenn Posts: 1,455 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    Can you describe your schedule? We may be able to make a few suggestions.

    This. Typically when people say there is no time, there's always somewhere to squeeze in.

    In regards to the depression, are you actively seeking help? I find that running and weight lifting really help my mood stabilize (bipolar). Not the case for everyone, but I'm always glad I did it after, even if I didn't want to in the first place.
  • prettycakesbbw
    prettycakesbbw Posts: 2 Member
    new to the group please add me
  • debtay123
    debtay123 Posts: 1,327 Member
    Hey maybe you can try youtube videos some are only 5 to 10 minutes long- just try something you enjoy- dance, zumba, walking, strength training-
  • kitten8u
    kitten8u Posts: 19 Member
    I feel my bf's work maybe the cause of some problems, as he gets up at three in the morning, waking me up, besides sleeping in separate rooms I'm not sure how I can change this, (he doesn't want to change his job.)
  • kitten8u
    kitten8u Posts: 19 Member
    was hopping to get a wii bike but can't find any at the moment. Amazon out of stock!
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    kitten8u wrote: »
    I feel my bf's work maybe the cause of some problems, as he gets up at three in the morning, waking me up, besides sleeping in separate rooms I'm not sure how I can change this, (he doesn't want to change his job.)

    Sleep in separate rooms. With a few short-term exceptions, I've been doing this since the 90s and love it.
  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
    Exercise is not absolutely necessary for weight loss, but it can be helpful when trying to manage depression. You don't have to do a full long sessions. Break it apart into three or so 10 minute sessions. What is your schedule? The members here may be able to make some suggestion. I'm sure many have busy lives too and have a few tricks up their sleeves. Are you seeing someone for your depression?
  • kitten8u
    kitten8u Posts: 19 Member
    How many hours per week do you spend walking and working on the house?

    Lots of people mistakenly think exercise needs to be done in a gym. Sure, it's easier to get strength training done at a gym, but there's a lot to be said for walking and working on your house. My mom always hovers around Underweight despite doing very little "purposeful exercise". For example, two years ago she scraped, sanded, and painted the entire outside of her house. And she spends a ton of time gardening.
    Im working 48hours a week not including sleeping - I walk to and from work when i can but this is only a short distance, i work in care so its very draining mentally, therefore difficult to find the energy to walk or clean afterwards.

    At the moment I've been de-moulding the walls - so mainly painting - which isn't very heart racing.

    I do enjoy exercise but I still need time to recharge before my next shift and after doing my uni work.
  • kitten8u
    kitten8u Posts: 19 Member
    amusedmonkey wrote: »
    Exercise is not absolutely necessary for weight loss, but it can be helpful when trying to manage depression. You don't have to do a full long sessions. Break it apart into three or so 10 minute sessions. What is your schedule? The members here may be able to make some suggestion. I'm sure many have busy lives too and have a few tricks up their sleeves. Are you seeing someone for your depression?

    Ive tried talking to family, but they have their own lives to live and would rather not deal with my problems. Im hoping once i finish my course there will be some stress relief.
  • RA60172
    RA60172 Posts: 137 Member
    If your depression is more situational, forcing yourself to exercise might actually help as others have noted. However, if you have clinical depression, please seek professional help. Therapy and/or meds are a must for a lot of people, and nothing to be ashamed of.
  • JeromeBarry1
    JeromeBarry1 Posts: 10,179 Member
    If there are stairs in any building you use, take them as needed.
    Is your university work on site or on line?

    Maybe your issue is more about food prep and proper nutrition than exercise.
  • julie_broadhead
    julie_broadhead Posts: 347 Member
    I know how it feels to suffer from depression and feel like there is no time to exercise. When my little guy was born I had postpartum depression. I love working out, but there were many days where I would talk myself out of doing it. The YouTube video suggestion that was listed above is great. Start with something that doesn't require you to buy anything. I'm also going to HIGHLY suggest you see someone for your depression. It will help tremendously.
  • codename_steve
    codename_steve Posts: 255 Member
    In regards to the when, I've found that using my lunch hour for my workout then eating at my desk works well for me (this is the only schedule I've found that I can stay consistent). In regards to the depression/motivation; you can do anything for five minutes (this can be applied to exercise or cleaning the house). Tell yourself that you can stop after five minutes. A lot of times I make it to five minutes and realize it's not so bad and go a little longer. I use this tactic when training for a marathon (just 1 more mile, just 1 more mile, until next thing I know 20 miles have gone by).
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
    If you are depressed, I really recommend therapy and possibly medication. There is nothing to be ashamed of and these can be invaluable tools for people.
  • bbell1985
    bbell1985 Posts: 4,571 Member
    I was depressed most of the fall. And had mono but didn't even know it. My day from door to door was 6am-7:30 or 8:00 pm including gym time. I cried a lot...I cried in the gym even. But I went.
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    if its important to you, you make the time.

    i get up at 4 and am at the gym at 6 and at work at 8, dont get home till 7 and in bed around 8.
  • onward1
    onward1 Posts: 386 Member
    Can you get outside for a walk? Just a few steps further each day. Take the time for yourself. You can do it, good luck OP.
  • akmomof7
    akmomof7 Posts: 162 Member
    It's not about finding the time. Make the time! I get being busy, but exercise is great for stress relief. I think the idea for YouTube videos is great, you can look up workouts by time. If you have 6 minutes, search 6 minute work out and you will find a bunch! Fit 2 or 3 of those into a day and it can make a difference. See your doctor for treatment of depression, and definitely make time to move your body. It's good for body and mind!
  • AmberSpamber
    AmberSpamber Posts: 391 Member
    You know they say that working out can help with depression right? Make time.. I work ten hour days, am a mom and I still workout.... you can do it!
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    kitten8u wrote: »
    I can't be the only one depressed with no time to exercise, but has anyone over come this, if so please share your wisdom!! Thank you.

    MAKE time to exercise. In the beginning I had a very small workout goal - 60 minutes per week. 6 x 10, 5 x 12, 4 x 15.....whatever. Anyway I would keep a spreadsheet (you can use a calendar). Keep yourself accountable.

    MAKING time for 10 minutes here, 15 minutes there gets you into the habit. When it's in small spurts, it's not intimidating, it's not a hassle. Find short workouts on YouTube......WalkAtHome & JessicaSmithTV are favorites of mine. Check out your library for 10 Minute Solutions DVDs.

    After you get used to the 60 minutes bump up the goal.....then get used to that one.....and bump it up again.
  • denversillygoose
    denversillygoose Posts: 708 Member
    When my days are really busy I will find little pockets of time here and there. I do some good mornings while the coffee brews at work, squats while cooking, etc. I do 5-10 minutes of yoga here and there.

    Keep reminding yourself how much exercise can help depression and make a few minutes for yourself. It's not selfish, it's self care and necessary.
  • kitten8u
    kitten8u Posts: 19 Member
    I don't get a lunch break at work as I'm with the tenants 24'7, thank you all for your advice on the depression but id rather get to the root of the problems,than just cover it with pills. i think getting fit will help a lot. il take your advice of the short and quick exercises when i can, barring in mind even for a quick work out, you still need the right clothes (sports bra, leggings, involves changing) and a shower after if you sweat.. and you should if your work out was good!! lol. so that all adds to the time. I completely agree that you have to make the time and i will try my best. thank you all.
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