SAD and Motivation

ShaunnaCullen · January 2018

Does anyone else suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or depression? How do you make sure you stay on track during downward spirals or depressive espisodes? Exercise has not made me “happier” per se. I struggle to go to the gym every single time. Granted I’ve only been in this routine for 6 weeks or so. I kind of just force myself to go and do the best I can. Anyone else? I’m a sinking ship.

kommodevaran · January 2018

Maybe do more enjoyable things instead? I'm a lot happier, and ironically, more active, after I realized I don't have to go to the gym, or even do any planned exercise at all.

JMcGee2018 · January 2018

I suffer from SAD as well. Do you take vitamin D supplements? In the winter, I go from taking 3000 IU to 7000 IU daily. You should have your doctor check your D levels so you know what to take. I've found that unlike "regular" depression (if there is such a thing), depression that is caused by nutrient or vitamin deficiencies does not really benefit from exercise, because exercise does not fix the underlying problem.

88olds · January 2018

What do you do at the gym when you get there? Is there any other activity available to you where you live?

ShaunnaCullen · January 2018

Thanks @kommodevaran. Unfortunately with the weather in my location I’m forced into the gym, at least until the weather improves. I did go on a wonderful 3 hour hike this weekend. @JMcGee2018 I take 10,000 IUs of vitamin D year round. Currently going through Lyme Disease treatment, maybe thats affecting my mood too? Thank you both for your replies!

ShaunnaCullen · January 2018

@88olds it depends on the day. Some days I’ll do just cardio, most days I’ll do cardio and some resistance machines/free weights. I hate group exercise classes but I will do them. I’m more of an outdoor girl but it’s been too cold and dark to adventure outside during the week. Any thoughts?

LizPalen412 · January 2018

I unfortunately don't have any words of wisdom, but just wanted to let you know I'm experiencing the same thing. You're not alone. But I will be lurking to see if anyone else has any good suggestions... it can be pretty miserable this time of year.

88olds · January 2018

Don’t do stuff you hate. I worked out many days on the recumbent bike looking at tv. It’s what I could stand to do. I usually broke up my cardio between two different machines.

Something is always better than nothing. I always had an at home backup workout. Had to be enough so I could look myself in the mirror and say it was a workout. Some days I just couldn’t get myself out the door.

My schedule was 6 days per week, one day off. 5pm Wed-Sun. Tuesday off. I found it easier to look on exercise as a daily occurrence but with a day off. Don’t know why. Doing my at home stuff I told myself I was still filling my time slot. Otherwise I’d end up filling it with the couch.

ThinGoldLineNS · January 2018

I take Vitamin D supplements and I also turn on my SAD lamps first thing in the morning and sit near them while drinking my coffee. It helps

dlm4mom · January 2018

SAD is getting the best of me. I do not go to the gym, I hate exercising. I do a lot of heavy housework, yardwork and home repair and I do a lot of walking at work. My weight loss is super slow because of this especially in the winter. I am trying to figure out how to improve.

KateBoss7521 · January 2018

Do you like animals? Volunteer at your local shelter to walk dogs! They will brighten your day and it’s a form of exercise you can look forward to

bstanb01 · February 2018

I've been having some depressions issues, though mine is probably postpartum, and I haven't found anything that makes me "happier," but I've found that yoga makes me more peaceful

wizzybeth · February 2018

I look at this like I look at my job. It's something I have to do rather I feel like it or not

usmcmp · February 2018

I resort to bribery. I also don't allow myself to turn on the TV/computer until I go workout.

SAD and Motivation

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