phYsical Activity

Getting out of bed can be the last thing you want to do. It can sometimes be easy to stay in bed all day. It can also be easy to shut the world out. But sometimes it is not for the right reasons. Physical activity can help to give you more energy and start to feel better in your own skin. Physical activity can and will look different for everyone. It is about finding what you enjoy and what will stick. I've realized that physical activity, like myself, is always changing. Finding things to keep up with yourself is part of the physical activity in managing depression. But you have to start somewhere. Maybe it's a walk down the street and back. Maybe it is parking the furthest you can park when going to the store. Or doing something during commercials when watching TV. Physical activity is such an important part of overall health and wellness. It not only has the ability to help you feel physically fit, but mentally fit too.

Over time, it will no longer feel like a chore, but a lifestyle. Trust that you will miss it and notice the days that you do not do it. But don't give up.

There are apps these days that allow you to track your fitness goals, your steps, your calorie intake, your meals, and so much more. Setting aside time each week to make little strides towards progress is important. It takes the focus off of how you're feeling right now, and brings the focus to how you want to feel, which is probably feeling better. We could get into the technical jargon of how physical activity is going to make you feel better. But let's keep it simple.

Set a goal and steps to follow through:

1. Pick an activity that you enjoy

2. Set aside the time to do the activity for 10 minutes

3. Increase the time as you begin to complete that 10 minutes and want to keep going.

4. Journal how you feel before you exercise, during the exercise, and after.

5. Breathe. Some days are going to be easier than others. BUT every day will be worth it.

Questions:

What activity are you doing currently?

What keeps you from movement currently?

Can you commit to logging one day at a time?