Exercise: Does it correlate to one's own mental state?
lizlucas1
Posts: 28 Member
Okay, to kind of get straight to the point: I'm looking to become fitter and healthier, but in a lot more ways than just physical. Last time I weighed myself (it's been a while since I'm not on very friendly terms with scales) I weighed 255 lbs. I track what I eat, what I drink, and what exercise I do. However, exercise is a big problem of mine. I was never fond of exercising when I was younger, (I was lazy and sedentary), and always saw exercise as a choir rather than something that should be fun or part of a routine on a daily basis. When I entered into college, exercise became more of a natural habit, since I didn't have a car or license and taking the bus back and forth to school was the only choice. Not to mention my classes were so far apart (one being in the back of the parking structures up a steep hill, practically off campus grounds) that walking didn't seem like exercise, but more of "How else am I supposed to get to class?" and didn't think much more of it. Not to mention I didn't have much money to spend freely as a college student, so snacking and eating out wasn't part of the routine, and even if I did eat, I was exercising so much and eating so little that it did, in a way, balance out. I lost a lot of weight as a college student.
Unfortunately, many factors came into play that quickly stopped this: I got my license and car, so taking the bus was no longer necessary and so was walking home; finances became tighter so I eventually stopped going to school; I started working in Target retail stores where fast food chains and junk food became readily available, as well as the money to spend; and I quickly became lazy at home instead of active, using the "job" card frequently to not do much. (I sound like a horrible person in this, don't I? But I'm being honest). I became very serious in a relationship where my boyfriend and I live together, and I stopped worrying about how I look to him, and eventually we started spending almost 24/7 together, the only time not around each other is when we are at work.
I am highly insecure, I lack confidence and am emotionally vulnerable. Although I hate quoting my mother or even telling her that she's right, (I'm stubborn, hard-headed, and like to be right no matter what), she keeps informing me that getting more exercise in my day will make me an emotionally and psychologically stronger person, not just physical. She tells me that staying home all the time and being around my boyfriend can be poisonous to my health, and that I need to get out more and get more exercise into my day. She tells me I'll feel good about it, that there will be more endorphin flowing through me to make me happier, and tells me that as I exercise more, I will develop more confidence, I'll fight off the depression a lot easier, and things will get better with me on the inside and out, as well as make the relationship with my boyfriend stronger.
I hate telling my mom that she's right but I am listening to her and taking into account what she says. I think (scratch that -- know) she's right, but I also want to know from the community. These are the questions I want to ask, and see if there are success stories or people who were in the same boat as me that changed. These the questions:
1) Does exercise really change and/or effect a person's overall mood and state of mind?
2) Can a change in exercise habits (or lack thereof) change a person's mood and emotional state, make them more confident and secure in themselves?
3) If willing to share, does anyone have a story to tell of how exercise made them better? Not just physical, but did exercise better your life on the outside and in?
4) I am looking for happiness and acceptance with myself. My mother suggests seeing a therapist, but I told her I want to try healthier alternatives, (change of diet, increase of exercise, and lose weight), before that. Do you think this is a wise/understandable choice? Do you agree with my mother? (I will never tell her she is right because I am stubborn. I know she is though. I would like some feedback from the community.)
Unfortunately, many factors came into play that quickly stopped this: I got my license and car, so taking the bus was no longer necessary and so was walking home; finances became tighter so I eventually stopped going to school; I started working in Target retail stores where fast food chains and junk food became readily available, as well as the money to spend; and I quickly became lazy at home instead of active, using the "job" card frequently to not do much. (I sound like a horrible person in this, don't I? But I'm being honest). I became very serious in a relationship where my boyfriend and I live together, and I stopped worrying about how I look to him, and eventually we started spending almost 24/7 together, the only time not around each other is when we are at work.
I am highly insecure, I lack confidence and am emotionally vulnerable. Although I hate quoting my mother or even telling her that she's right, (I'm stubborn, hard-headed, and like to be right no matter what), she keeps informing me that getting more exercise in my day will make me an emotionally and psychologically stronger person, not just physical. She tells me that staying home all the time and being around my boyfriend can be poisonous to my health, and that I need to get out more and get more exercise into my day. She tells me I'll feel good about it, that there will be more endorphin flowing through me to make me happier, and tells me that as I exercise more, I will develop more confidence, I'll fight off the depression a lot easier, and things will get better with me on the inside and out, as well as make the relationship with my boyfriend stronger.
I hate telling my mom that she's right but I am listening to her and taking into account what she says. I think (scratch that -- know) she's right, but I also want to know from the community. These are the questions I want to ask, and see if there are success stories or people who were in the same boat as me that changed. These the questions:
1) Does exercise really change and/or effect a person's overall mood and state of mind?
2) Can a change in exercise habits (or lack thereof) change a person's mood and emotional state, make them more confident and secure in themselves?
3) If willing to share, does anyone have a story to tell of how exercise made them better? Not just physical, but did exercise better your life on the outside and in?
4) I am looking for happiness and acceptance with myself. My mother suggests seeing a therapist, but I told her I want to try healthier alternatives, (change of diet, increase of exercise, and lose weight), before that. Do you think this is a wise/understandable choice? Do you agree with my mother? (I will never tell her she is right because I am stubborn. I know she is though. I would like some feedback from the community.)
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Replies
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Your mother is right.
Try it and see the benefits first hand.0 -
Yes, exercise will help with state of mind. Listen to your mother. She sounds like a wise lady looking out for your best interest.0
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You are about 90% my soulmate. the difference is i have an overabundance of confidence (too much sometimes). but i do have to say as much as i hate exercising, it makes me feel better and it's a real mood booster. I'm still not a major fan of it, but the benefits keep bringing me back.
My suggestion is this, give it a week. just 20 minutes a day. even though you hate it, plod through. i bet at the end of the week, you'll feel as if it's less of a chore than you thought. i started out walking on my treadmill, but you can try whatever works for you that you like.0 -
1) Does exercise really change and/or effect a person's overall mood and state of mind?
It does for me. My favorite saying I found on MFP is, "You are one workout away from a good mood."
2) Can a change in exercise habits (or lack thereof) change a person's mood and emotional state, make them more confident and secure in themselves?
Somewhat. I suffer from pretty severe social phobia (I also just really hate being around people and always have). But I deal with it a lot better now that I feel better and yes, look better. I'm not the invisible, shameful fat woman huffing and puffing up the store aisle anymore with a grocery cart full of things I don't need to be eating. That helps. A lot. I still don't like people, though!
3) If willing to share, does anyone have a story to tell of how exercise made them better? Not just physical, but did exercise better your life on the outside and in?
See above.
4) I am looking for happiness and acceptance with myself. My mother suggests seeing a therapist, but I told her I want to try healthier alternatives, (change of diet, increase of exercise, and lose weight), before that. Do you think this is a wise/understandable choice? Do you agree with my mother? (I will never tell her she is right because I am stubborn. I know she is though. I would like some feedback from the community.)
I don't know you as well as your mom does. And hell, if I had health insurance I might seek therapy, too. Why not enlist all the help I can get my hands on to deal with my issues? But not drugs. Screw that. Exercise is an excellent mood booster for some of us, try that first unless you're suicidal or something.0 -
I would go crazy if I didn't exercise. My life is super stressful right now. I run about 20 miles per week and walk about 15 on my treadmill. I study while walking and I watch Netflix while running. So it is a great break from work, family responsibilities and full-time college.
Find something you like to do and go do it. You will feel so much better.
This morning I woke up feeling very down. I am severely overwhelmed with the amount of stuff going on in life. My husband has had to move to another state because there is no work here and we are in a great deal of financial distress. I work for a guy who doesn't pay me until week or so after payday but there are so few jobs I'm sort of stuck. He's also not all that mentally stable. I have 2 teenage stepchildren with severe issues that I have to try to keep safe and keep in school. My husband is ADHD and there is stuff piled all around our 2.5 acres that I need to sort out, sell, scrap, throw away and organize over the next 5 months so I can move. If I don't get it done I can't move to be with him. I also take 15 credit hours at the university each quarter. I have piles of homework to finish and am running out of time. Needless to say, I don't really have time but still took an hour of my time to run. I feel so much better, less depressed and after my shower will be ready to tackle all that homework.
Try exercising for a month. Do something every day. Figure out what you like. You will see how much better you will feel emotionally.0 -
1) Does exercise really change and/or effect a person's overall mood and state of mind?
2) Can a change in exercise habits (or lack thereof) change a person's mood and emotional state, make them more confident and secure in themselves?
3) If willing to share, does anyone have a story to tell of how exercise made them better? Not just physical, but did exercise better your life on the outside and in?
4) I am looking for happiness and acceptance with myself. My mother suggests seeing a therapist, but I told her I want to try healthier alternatives, (change of diet, increase of exercise, and lose weight), before that. Do you think this is a wise/understandable choice? Do you agree with my mother? (I will never tell her she is right because I am stubborn. I know she is though. I would like some feedback from the community.)
1) Yes. I have been diagnosed with clinical depression. Occasionally I have patches of very bad depression which last weeks or even a month or two. However, now that I'm exercising more and eating healthier, I've noticed that I pull out of these "bad patches" much quicker. This past one only lasted a couple of days. I'm not saying it will solve all your problems, but it does help.
2) Maybe. I haven't been at it long enough to really know yet. I DO know that when I'm thinner, I'm a little more confident. And, I've read success stories on the site where other people have talked about feeling more confident as they exercise more and eat better.
3) Not yet, but again, I've read other people's stories talking about it. Go check out the success forum. Also, sometimes people post good blogs about things like this.
4) Hm... I think trying diet and exercise first is a good idea. However, after a while, you may find that you still need to talk to someone, and that's okay. Also, if you go to therapy and are eating unheathily and/or not exercising, the therapist will suggest that you do it anyways, in addition to the therapy. So, if you can, you might as well get yourself physically healthier beforehand.0 -
Like yourself when I was a kid I never worked out and was not the sporty type. My husband and I started dating being with one another all the time I went from 130 to 180 in a few years. I was depressed and always down on myself. I decided I needed to change and that time away from each other to do our own thing was a good thing. So I started going to the gym, yes dragging myself at first now I just do jillian micheals workouts at home (no gym in my area now). Now we have been together 12 years and I love working out. When I'm depressed a great workout makes me feel so much better. Hope this helps you.0
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It's great that you're reflecting on your past to see why you are where you are today
1) Does exercise really change and/or effect a person's overall mood and state of mind? .
For me, yes. I eat better and sleep better with regular exercise. I can usually get through a lot of bad moods with exercise. I almost always exercise after the office and it helps to clear out my day and enable me to relax when I get home and start afresh the next day. I also gained a can-do attitude.[/quote]2) Can a change in exercise habits (or lack thereof) change a person's mood and emotional state, make them more confident and secure in themselves?
Yes. I feel more confident and secure because I'm building character as well as muscle and endurance. I'm continually showing discipline by sticking to a routine and as I improve I feel more confident because I know that I can achieve things that seem hard at first4) I am looking for happiness and acceptance with myself. My mother suggests seeing a therapist, but I told her I want to try healthier alternatives, (change of diet, increase of exercise, and lose weight), before that. Do you think this is a wise/understandable choice? Do you agree with my mother? (I will never tell her she is right because I am stubborn. I know she is though. I would like some feedback from the community.
There is nothing unhealthy about seeing a therapist, indeed having someone to talk to might help you make these changes in your life. Making the changes you suggest will probably make you happier and help you accept yourself but if you think you have underlying issues that make you unhappy (many use food as a coping mechanism) you will probably need to deal with these at some point.0 -
This might help inspire you, I loved this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo
Lots of people on this site work out really hard. You don't need to do that to get benefits. You're just starting out, so no need to go crazy. Pop in your earbuds, listen to some great music or podcasts, and go for a walk. You'll be happier for it.
It doesn't cure everything, though. If you're genuinely depressed (rather than just discontent or temporarily unhappy), a therapist is a good idea. And a therpist can really help you find the motivation you need to live a healthier life. It's not all about taking drugs.0 -
1) Does exercise really change and/or effect a person's overall mood and state of mind?
2) Can a change in exercise habits (or lack thereof) change a person's mood and emotional state, make them more confident and secure in themselves?
3) If willing to share, does anyone have a story to tell of how exercise made them better? Not just physical, but did exercise better your life on the outside and in?
4) I am looking for happiness and acceptance with myself. My mother suggests seeing a therapist, but I told her I want to try healthier alternatives, (change of diet, increase of exercise, and lose weight), before that. Do you think this is a wise/understandable choice? Do you agree with my mother? (I will never tell her she is right because I am stubborn. I know she is though. I would like some feedback from the community.)
1. Yes 100%
2. Yes I believe so, and mix it with a healthy diet and positive attitude and you will see big changes
3. Exercise is a HUGE stress relief... and you can pick any exercise, it's the fact you are moving. It helped me handle breakups with boyfriends, to clear my mind, etc. It gvies me SOOO much more energy and I find myself doing more...and with that I have lost weight, became a stronger/healthier person, and my self confidence and self esteem has made leaps and bounds.
4. Happiness and healthiness can come with diet and exercise, but you need to start taking a deep look into yourself. Why aren't you happy and secure, etc.? Is it men? is it confidence? it is work? blah blah. It takes ALOT of self discovery, some that doesn't feel very happy at the time... can it be done alone? sure.... a therapist might help you along your way.0 -
It's great that you're reflecting on your past to see why you are where you are today1) Does exercise really change and/or effect a person's overall mood and state of mind? .
For me, yes. I eat better and sleep better with regular exercise. I can usually get through a lot of bad moods with exercise. I almost always exercise after the office and it helps to clear out my day and enable me to relax when I get home and start afresh the next day. I also gained a can-do attitude.2) Can a change in exercise habits (or lack thereof) change a person's mood and emotional state, make them more confident and secure in themselves?
Yes. I feel more confident and secure because I'm building character as well as muscle and endurance. I'm continually showing discipline by sticking to a routine and as I improve I feel more confident because I know that I can achieve things that seem hard at first4) I am looking for happiness and acceptance with myself. My mother suggests seeing a therapist, but I told her I want to try healthier alternatives, (change of diet, increase of exercise, and lose weight), before that. Do you think this is a wise/understandable choice? Do you agree with my mother? (I will never tell her she is right because I am stubborn. I know she is though. I would like some feedback from the community.
There is nothing unhealthy about seeing a therapist, indeed having someone to talk to might help you make these changes in your life. Making the changes you suggest will probably make you happier and help you accept yourself but if you think you have underlying issues that make you unhappy (many use food as a coping mechanism) you will probably need to deal with these at some point.
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Well said
I agree 0 -
1- Yes.
2- Yes.
3- Feeling vigorous and strong is its own reward. I also enjoy the things I do as exercise. Biking and kayaking are fun plus get me out into the beautiful outdoors around here, so exercise itself is a reward and I look forward to it and would do it even if it didn't improve my health. But if "exercise" for me was just doing videos or classes at a gym, I'd never stick with it. That to me is a form of torture.
4- Happiness and acceptance ultimately should come from within. Sounds like you know that. Surround yourself with friends who see the awesome in you and make you see it too. (But NOT enablers.) If you are still unable to feel that, even when rationally you know you have every reason to, that would IMO be time to see a therapist.0 -
I don't know if it correlates directly, but this is what I know is true for me: When I run, or do a hard workout in the pool, I feel empowered. I feel empowered because I haven't done hardcore exercise in years, and knowing that I can do it and not be all out of breath and miserable is an amazing feeling. And when I feel empowered, I feel better about myself, and other things in my life that aren't as easy to control as "Ok, let's put on a suit and get our butt in the pool. Slower swimmers are in the next lane over, and I can beat them."
So for me, yes, there is a relationship. That said, I happily eat my exercise calories. 0 -
Bump~0
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1 - For me, yes 100% yes. I got off anti-depressants because of exercise.1) Does exercise really change and/or effect a person's overall mood and state of mind?
2) Can a change in exercise habits (or lack thereof) change a person's mood and emotional state, make them more confident and secure in themselves?
3) If willing to share, does anyone have a story to tell of how exercise made them better? Not just physical, but did exercise better your life on the outside and in?
4) I am looking for happiness and acceptance with myself. My mother suggests seeing a therapist, but I told her I want to try healthier alternatives, (change of diet, increase of exercise, and lose weight), before that. Do you think this is a wise/understandable choice? Do you agree with my mother? (I will never tell her she is right because I am stubborn. I know she is though. I would like some feedback from the community.)
2 - Yes. I am way more confident now that I am working out at least 40 minutes a day.
3 - I am sure I have something but my brain is drawing a blank.
4 - That is something you need to decide for yourself. I have a therapist - I have since 2006, but I don't see him regularly anymore. He decided I didn't need him all the time but I do check in with him every now and then.0 -
I try to get in a work out most days and I definitely think it helps my attitude about most things.
I feel better physically and am happier. For me exercise is not a chore, I look forward to it and make it a priority in my schedule.
I agree, your mom is right. If you don't like going to a gym, find some activity that you do enjoy and try to encourage your boy friend to join you. It will help strengthen your relationship.0 -
Yes, yes, absolutely yes. If you're looking for a sign to start exercising and get healthier, this is it.
"I am looking for happiness and acceptance with myself. My mother suggests seeing a therapist, but I told her I want to try healthier alternatives, (change of diet, increase of exercise, and lose weight), before that. Do you think this is a wise/understandable choice?"
Absolutely. I'm not going to tell you that you can cure your depression simply by exercising, there is more to depression than that, but it would certainly be a tremendous help. Exercising will make you happier all around and although I do not know if it's possible to completely eradicate depression from lifestyle changes alone, I think it's possible. There are numerous studies that emphasis that point, see here: http://www.google.com/search?q=exercise+combats+depression&oq=exercise+combats+depression&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
I am so much happier with myself and with my life now that I exercise all the time and have incorporated it into my lifestyle. It's a routine now, and I do not see it as a chore, I see it as a joy. I see it as something I must do, and more importantly something I WANT to do.
I live with my girlfriend and we're together almost 24/7 like you and your boyfriend are too and I love it. I don't think that is the problem, unless you two have an unhealthy relationship and you are feeding each others' depressions.0 -
Everyone I know that exercises regularly agrees that it brings down their stress levels.0
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1) Does exercise really change and/or effect a person's overall mood and state of mind?
2) Can a change in exercise habits (or lack thereof) change a person's mood and emotional state, make them more confident and secure in themselves?
3) If willing to share, does anyone have a story to tell of how exercise made them better? Not just physical, but did exercise better your life on the outside and in?
4) I am looking for happiness and acceptance with myself. My mother suggests seeing a therapist, but I told her I want to try healthier alternatives, (change of diet, increase of exercise, and lose weight), before that. Do you think this is a wise/understandable choice? Do you agree with my mother? (I will never tell her she is right because I am stubborn. I know she is though. I would like some feedback from the community.)
1. Yes, exercise releases chemicals in the brain that improve mood AND self esteem ....heres some science http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166432811007339
2. Yes, a change in habit can certainly lead to changes in self esteem....Cognitive behavioural therapy works to change the way you think about things, and teach new strategies for coping. You can do this yourself by changing the way you react to a situation and reinforcing it with positive outcomes.
3. I definitely feel better when I exercise. If I dont I start to feel sluggish, tired and miserable. I love the boost that training gives me, and the social aspect is also important for me
4. Your mum is right, find a GOOD therapist, and work things out. A therapist might provide a whole different viewpoint on a situation that you may not have thought of yourself.0 -
There is a book I recommend to you by Robert Sapolsky titled "Why Zebra's Don't Get Ulcers" which discusses the neuroscience behind exercise and how it benefits the mental state. It addresses "fight or flight" and how not responding to this physiology is damaging to your health. The short answer is Yes. The why is in his book.0
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100% ABSOLUTELY!! this time last year I was struggling really bad with social anxiety and bouts of depression. I remember on st. patricks day last year going to this big outdoor street party thing and just feeling so terrible about myself. that night i couldn't sleep at all because i kept crying and going over in my mind everything i said to everyone and thinking everything i said was so stupid and thinking that everyone thought i was annoying or dumb, etc. etc. that person is like unrecognizable to me now. that I would be crying and staying up all night worrying about what i said to random people?! I still get self concious sometimes, but I feel like a different person. I started working out last august and i not only love how my body looks, but I just feel better about my whole person and feel so much happier and proud of myself. I really enjoy the time to myself when i work out. i am a law student and work full time so i'm so so busy and a lot of times i feel out of control of my life because there is so much to do at all times, but i love knowing that i have an hour or so everyday where i will just blast my music in my headphones and sweat and feel sexy and do something completely for ME. your mom is very right i really think it can change your life ...good luck! 0
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Healthy foods, less sugar and more exercise has been a huge help to me. Also getting 7-8 hours of sleep daily and drinking lots of water. Make sure you are getting proper nutrition, study up on it.
Also, taking Vitamin D made a world of difference.
Do some online reseach about these things. Go to reputable sites like WebMD and MayoClinic and PubMed.
Your mother is right. About this...not about e v e r y t h i n g.
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Exercise has absolutely, without any doubt whatsoever, GREATLY improved my mental health. To the point, that I'm almost scared to take any more than 1 rest day per week. It's like night and day, and I don't ever, ever want to go back.0
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1) Does exercise really change and/or effect a person's overall mood and state of mind? yes it does. It has been shown in studies to release endorphins (feel good hormones) in the brain. And when you start to look better, that helps too.
2) Can a change in exercise habits (or lack thereof) change a person's mood and emotional state, make them more confident and secure in themselves? When you look in the mirror and see what you like that exercise has changed you begin to feel very good about yourself.
3) If willing to share, does anyone have a story to tell of how exercise made them better? Not just physical, but did exercise better your life on the outside and in? I went from hating to look in a mirror, going around naked at home, and trying on clothes to looking in the mirror every chance I get and love finding clothes now. By the way thrift stores are a great place to get and give clothes as you lose weight. Mentally, it has helped me see that I am a worthwhile person despite what some other people think.
4) I am looking for happiness and acceptance with myself. My mother suggests seeing a therapist, but I told her I want to try healthier alternatives, (change of diet, increase of exercise, and lose weight), before that. Do you think this is a wise/understandable choice? Do you agree with my mother? (I will never tell her she is right because I am stubborn. I know she is though. I would like some feedback from the community.) Therapy might be a good thing to do at the same time you are working on the outside. And don't do just cardio, strengthen training is very important in the process for our bodies as well. When we stretch out the skin and turn muscle into fat we have to do something to reverse those affects as well.
I went from 208 pounds highest weight to now 132 pounds. I have done it all with clean food and exercise. No gimmacks, pills, just good old fashion elbow grease and pushing away the unhealthy food.
Good luck on your lifestyle and body changes.0 -
1) Does exercise really change and/or effect a person's overall mood and state of mind?
2) Can a change in exercise habits (or lack thereof) change a person's mood and emotional state, make them more confident and secure in themselves?
3) If willing to share, does anyone have a story to tell of how exercise made them better? Not just physical, but did exercise better your life on the outside and in?
4) I am looking for happiness and acceptance with myself. My mother suggests seeing a therapist, but I told her I want to try healthier alternatives, (change of diet, increase of exercise, and lose weight), before that. Do you think this is a wise/understandable choice? Do you agree with my mother? (I will never tell her she is right because I am stubborn. I know she is though. I would like some feedback from the community.)
These are the answers I can give:
1) An emphatic YES!!!
2) See the answer to #1, times 100
3) My story:
I am 46. I'm 5' 3.25" short with a large frame. I started gaining weight in my senior year of high school. I was insecure, had been sexually molested throughout my childhood years by the man who married my mother and adopted me, was bullied in school every single year, and had only 1 female friend but had lost contact with her. Fast forward several years, a failed marriage and a currently very happy and forever second one, and 5 kids... After years of trying to lose the increasing weight and failing, I ended up weighing a whopping 235lbs when I gave birth to my daughter 15 years ago, after giving birth to 4 boys before her.
I learned shortly after her birth that I have P.C.O.S., which is an endocrine disorder specific to women that tends to contribute to being heavy, among other things, and was put on medication. Time went on, the medicine allowed me to drop down to the 200lb range, and I floated between 195lbs and 210lbs from then until last April, with the exception of one time when I dropped down to 158lbs. At that point my grandmother passed away and it was more than my emotional eating self could take. Before I knew it I was back up above 200lbs once again. *SIGH* I was ready to give up, even though I still held a gym membership and went sporadically. It didn't seem to be "working" for me. Then, within the same week, my mother and a very good friend both told me about this website. Backing up a bit, I had been slowly changing how I eat and removing more and more processed food (Hamburger Helper, frozen ready-made food, Rice A Roni, prepackaged side dishes) and adding in more and more fresh fruits and veggies. I also decided on a whim two Januarys ago that I had to do something about my anxiety and worries, so that New Year's resolution was that if it was something about which I could do nothing, I would shove it to the back of my mind and not worry about it. It worked! I found myself feeling a bit more relaxed and not craving foods that in the past would have had me eating half a container of ice cream or half a box of cookies.
So, April of last year, hearing about MFP, my resolution about not worrying was working, but I was feeling like nothing was ever going to work as far as my weight went, but I figured "what the heck? I'll try it and see what happens" in regard to this site. I really started to work the full system here in May, 2012, recording my food and exercise. At first I was only able to exercise for 15 to 20 minutes before I felt totally exhausted. I was able to increase both my time and resistance on the machines I favor at my gym each week, and I started to see real results by the end of May. I began to notice that my monthly food cravings were disappearing and I was feeling better and better about myself. It was like a healthy snowball rolling downhill; as I lost more weight and could workout longer, I felt better and better, slept better, had more energy, and even felt great about myself. What amazing things all of this has done for me! Today I weighed 141lbs, and according to the government's BMI charts I am finally a "normal" weight for my height. I haven't been that weight since I became pregnant with my oldest, who is 25 years old!!
This is why I say "yes" to your first 2 questions. I know how difficult it is to admit that our mothers are right. I am very happy to see that you understand she is, because it has been my experience that regular exercise that makes you sweat and work hard is highly beneficial for both your body and your mind. If you wish to friend me, include a note with your request and I would be happy to help encourage you!
4) Therapy can work, but only with the right therapist. I've done therapy. I didn't find the right one for my situation and needs. I feel that I'm the healthiest in my head than I ever have been, and life has thrown my husband and I some very serious trials in the form of a child with mental illness this year along with some other things. I remain happy and upbeat in spite of it all. Only you can make the decision as to whether you need therapy. I find that exercise is cheaper. :-)0 -
Yes - exercise really does boost your mood, There are lots of studies finding that very thing, and most professional will suggest exercise for depression.
Exercise has certainly made me more confident and secure. When I started I could do about 5 mins on a treadmill before I just couldn't go any farther. Today I did 30 mins, and 15 of that was at a 3mph pace. That's huge for me and certainly gives me confidence, and I'm definitely proud of how far I've come.
Joining a gym has helped me to build some new friendships. I was coming out of a depression, having lots of PTSD symptoms and recovering from a motorcycle accident, and had pretty much withdrawn from life. Certainly the first few times were incredibly hard, but I kept going and now I socialize with several people I've met at the gym.
There's nothing wrong with seeing a therapist, but I can certainly understand wanting to try other things first. There are lots of online tools to give you some guidance about depression. That might be a good start.
You've already said that you know your mother is right......
But there's nothing saying you can't try some natural methods first.0 -
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Although I hate quoting my mother or even telling her that she's right, (I'm stubborn, hard-headed, and like to be right no matter what), she keeps informing me that getting more exercise in my day will make me an emotionally and psychologically stronger person, not just physical. She tells me that staying home all the time and being around my boyfriend can be poisonous to my health, and that I need to get out more and get more exercise into my day. She tells me I'll feel good about it, that there will be more endorphin flowing through me to make me happier, and tells me that as I exercise more, I will develop more confidence, I'll fight off the depression a lot easier, and things will get better with me on the inside and out, as well as make the relationship with my boyfriend stronger.
You have a wise mother. The reason she is probably saying being around him all day is poisonous is probably because you are isolating yourself from the outside world. (Isolation can make you more depressed.) He may not be bad for you. But, when you spend all your time with one person, you ask a lot of them. They can end up being your everything. That's a huge thing.
Just a side note: If you ever break up, all your memories will involve him. It is a hard thing when you want memories to comfort you when you grieve a boyfriend's loss, if all those recent memories are about him.I hate telling my mom that she's right but I am listening to her and taking into account what she says. I think (scratch that -- know) she's right,
I get like that, too. It can feel like you are still a kid. But, moms are older and might know more than us.1) Does exercise really change and/or effect a person's overall mood and state of mind?
Yes! It can help with depression, anxiety, etc. If you set goals, the progress you make will make you feel good, too. I love C25K (www.c25k.com) for just that.2) Can a change in exercise habits (or lack thereof) change a person's mood and emotional state, make them more confident and secure in themselves?
Totally. It makes you feel like you are accomplishing something. Scheduling exercise and doing it makes you feel like you have control over your time and your body.
Don't forget that nutrition also affects our moods.3) If willing to share, does anyone have a story to tell of how exercise made them better? Not just physical, but did exercise better your life on the outside and in?
I developed really bad anxiety from really bad stress. I had to make a lot of changes. One of them was to incorporate exercise into my routine. I would walk at first, then started running. I've also tried exercise videos (lots of that on YouTube and you can borrow from the library). The exercise helps my body to release the stress and takes my focus off myself for the time that I do it. My mental focus is much better overall.
If you run, there is a whole running community. Runners are fun people! In years past, I was part of the cycling community -- also really cool people. So, sports are a great avenue for meeting people. And since all the endorphins are high at the end of a race, everyone is in a good mood for the fun at the end.4) I am looking for happiness and acceptance with myself. My mother suggests seeing a therapist, but I told her I want to try healthier alternatives, (change of diet, increase of exercise, and lose weight), before that. Do you think this is a wise/understandable choice? Do you agree with my mother? (I will never tell her she is right because I am stubborn. I know she is though. I would like some feedback from the community.)
Definitely incorporate healthy diet and exercise into your life. That is a great gift to yourself!
Talk or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be very helpful. There are NO drugs involved. The key is to have someone you feel comfortable with and make sure you have a plan.
You can also find support here, in the forums, on your wall, or in the groups.
Groups: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups
PIM me if you have any questions. :-)0 -
Oh man, does exercise work! I don't need to medication to control my anxiety any more because of exercise. When I go through periods of being lazy and not exercising, I can feel a difference in my body. Exercise is such a release for whatever I'm storing up in my body. I'm panic attack free for 2.5 years now.
And might I also suggest you look into supplements like Vitamins B and D as well as Omega 3's. Those combined with exercise have been my miracle.0
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