[MotownJohnny]

OK, I know this isn't "the answer" for everyone, but it certainly has been an ENORMOUS benefit to me, I honestly don't know how I could have survived my "crisis mode" without it.

Exercise. Health and Fitness. Training. Call it whatever you want - getting moving does wonders for both the physical and emotional health. I admit, I take it to extremes, because I never want to be "that guy" again, the guy I was before, who was weak and vulnerable and open to manipulation and just primed to take a fall at anyone's hands.

So, I found a tool to change my life, physically and mentally, and that is training. I found something I am deeply passionate about, cycling, and a couple of other things I enjoy, running, swimming, cross country skiing, boxing, and weight training.

I admit, I take it further than a lot of people would. Training for my first triathlon, training for three 100 mile bicycle touring events (not races at this time), and just training to get myself into optimal shape, physically and mentally. So yes, I'm getting in about 100 to 125 miles a week on the bike, plus getting in some runs, swimming, boxing, and some strength workouts.

Am I obsessive about it, possibly? - but if so, I consider it a healthy obsession, because it doesn't interfere with any significant aspect of my life (except, well, brutally honest, my house isn't quite as clean as it used to be, I eat a lot more simply than I used to, dinner might be something super simple like some fried eggs or even just a protein shake, and the laundry does pile up at times until I get home at 10 PM after long ride and then stay up 2 more hours so I have clean clothes for work the next week). However, I will say, I have fallen in with a group of like-minded individuals who are just as passionate and train just as hard as I do, just as much. So, I'm not alone.

I'm in the best physical shape of my adult life. I can do things now I could do at 21. I'm definitely in a far better place mentally than I have been in a long time. I no longer just "take it" when people dump on me, I FIGHT BACK, in appropriate ways. I stand up for myself now. I look good, I feel good. I'm happy.

I never thought of myself as athletic, strong, or agile. I'm surprised now at just how much athleticism I can exhibit. And I'm surprised at just what I can accomplish.

Just something to consider. I take it to extremes - I spent an hour and half last night riding the perimeter of a shopping center near my house, because each loop was 1.02 miles, and because the whole thing just opened 6 months ago, so it's smooth, fresh concrete to ride on. So yes, the Kroger cart boys probably wondered who the weird guy riding circles in their parking lot at 10:00 at night was, with his bluetooth stereo blaring Tim McGraw and Thompson Square. But it worked for me.

Yes! I battle with bipolar disorder and severe anxiety. Movement is almost always a guaranteed way to lose my "craziness", at least for a while.

[hvert]

This is so true! I am nowhere near as athletic as Motown Johnny, but I feel so much better on the days I walk than I do on the days I don't get any exercise in.

[bannywan70]

I completely agree! Although I sometimes struggle to find the motivation to exercise, I tell myself 10 minutes. I will exercise for 10 minutes and if I still don't want to then I will go home. This ALWAYS works unless I am feeling ill, once you get into your workout... that's pretty much half the battle! I always feel happy and talkative after exercise... endorphins do wonders for mood boosting!

[SeekerOfLife]

I go out to exercise class twice a week. It is fun being with and exercising with others. The other days I do nothing. Walking puts me inside my head too much and causes an increase in depression. The exercise class distracts me from myself. I would go out to a class more often but my finances prevent it.

I am glad you have found a routine that works for you.

[MoxieDoxie]

If you can afford it find a CrossFit Box. The workout incorporate gymnastics, powerlifting, olympic lifting and everything in between. It is done in a group setting and the community of support is like nothing else.

Search for one near you CrossFit.com and their regionals are happening this weekend you can watch them compete at games.crossfit.com