[hartbroken]

I'd like to start a post about how many positive things exercise can do for your body, things that are related to your mental illness and the side effects of the meds also.

I've been told it will increase blood flow to the brain, and release endorphins at the same time, circulating the endorphins throughout the body.

For some reason I see exercise as a complete chore, and I start crying when I have to do it. But if I get thru it, although my legs are shaky at first, I record the results and hope I've done some good. I've just started to exercise on a bike for about 10 min at a time. After a week, I'm going to increase that to 15 min, and so on.

[optimize990h]

With exercise, I find that the goals are usually achievable and definable. It reduce stress which affects the immune system in a positive way. Part of exercise's effects is related to affected the cortisol levels. On a short term basis, increased cortisol is beneficial, but over the long term, cortisol may increase the effects of depression by somehow affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain. Exercise reduces the cortisol levels which will help with treatment of depression.

[avlady]

I am waiting to get enough money to by an electrical treadmill, as it sounds easier than anything else. just walking couldn't hurt, and I wouldn't even have to go out of my living room if i had one.

[eggsinfinitum]

I have one of those mini-trampolines to walk/jog on. It's small & portable, didn't cost tons, and there are lots of things, routines I guess you can do on it. For right now I'm just jogging to one or two songs when I can. I feel so much better. When you find something you like to do, and it fits in your lifestyle, it's not such a chore. I love listening to the music & stepping to the beat.

[Perna]

I'm starting with just getting "out and about". I go and do something outside my home everyday, whether it be shopping, entertainment, or social-related. Just getting up from in front of my computer and refocusing outward has helped my sleep and attitude/mood enormously. It does not hurt that I have to go into huge box stores and walk a mile to just get to an item I need, either

[spondiferous]

I enjoy walking long distances with my iPod. Like, 2 hour walks. I feel so strong and free. And the effect tends to last through the day.

[Whyknott]

Exercise = More emotional mojo for sure!