Forgot to add, if you are exercising, what are your doing?

Also, here's an article about it:

http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression

I've been using my Wii. I really do like it and have it set up in my living room. I go for walks with my Lil Man but not for too long because I care for my Mom. So the Wii is perfect, I get my exercise and I'm out of the weather. Now I would like to do it everyday instead of once a week or less.

I don't exercise per se. Today for instance I had to move a whole bunch of boxes down into the basement. Not wanting to fall, who would know? I took small manageable loads so I ended up making about 20 trips up and down the stairs. I think that qualifies as exercise. Anyway, it does help to keep busy and stay active. If a visit to the gym is what it takes then so be it. When you stop, it will catch up you. I'm just too damn old to keep running 16 hours a day. I think it also helps me to talk to her, I talk to Abby all day. Maybe the neighbors think I'm crazy. Maybe I am crazy, who cares?
Ken

I have been bike riding with my young grandchildren, ages 4 & 6. I have found this helps me quite a bit as it is a slower pace with them & we laugh a lot.
Other times, I just walk along the lake alone & will stop & sit on a bench at the lake to talk to God. I do feel much better when I do this..helps with anxiety.
Walking is a good start & being outdoors with some fresh air helps.

Shalom,
Cynthia

Yoga has saved me, I'm convinced. I can't say enough about it. The gym that I belong to is very close to the house, and offers ''free'' classes if you are a member - so you can try something without feeling compelled to continue, and drop out if you don't like it. Yoga helps me mentally, I lost dress sizes and weight, improves my posture, and it calms me - we have meditation at the end, and the instructor puts lavender on our wrists, soft music plays - ommmmm good. It really took work getting into it ,because at work I was chained to a desk for years. Retirement is a good thing! Jerry and I gave each other a membership, and went almost every day. I just do what I can, and I'm not a yoga '' pretzel person'' - but I'm getting much better with time. My gym has old , ooops mature people in it, like me, and no chickie chickies - guess they go someplace else when they get into shape!!! I'm also am a ''slave'' to Daisy the Wonder Dog - no - actually, I love walking her. I was just thinking this morning how lucky I am to live in Florida - and I can walk to the ocean from my house. Love being outside and walking. Exercise is wonderful - you don't have to belong to a gym either.

I also do not exersise..but I run after 5 kids. I had a baby Nov. 4 and can now fit into my clothes. Up and down the stairs works as well as running after a 3 year old all day. I have gone back out and shown houses, keep up with what needs to be done, and I feel better than if I just sat on my butt all day.
will I go to a gym...no. Things are good here.

Maggie

about 3 months ago, when i hit a very deep low and was consumed with anger that i could not get rid of, i was told the same thing by my therapist. so i joined a gym and had a trainer show me all the equipment (since i had never been in a gym). i am addicted! it gets it all out of you, not to mention it makes you physically stronger. i would highly recommend it.
hugs
judi

I joined curves last February. Before I started, life was so horrible and dark and the winter was lasting forever. It was (then) 10 months after I lost my husband. I have been hooked since. I go two to three times a week. I have lost 14 lbs since I started and it gave me "something" healthy to focus on. I took out so much anger on the machines and I felt stronger and stronger at a time when my soul was so weak and sad. Also I used to have high blood pressure. I don't anymore.

Grief is so so heavy and hard on our bodies. If people can get themselves up and moving, it cannot hurt.

lots of hugs to all...
-Diana

I am exercising. I joined a local gym (we had planned on it before he passed away) and I try to go at least 3 times a week. I manily do the treadmill and the bike.

I have also done my first 5K ...I di dthe walk part. But, I felt so empowered and proud afterwards. Once it is spring again...I will do more.

And I have lost weight....I had initally lost as a result of grief. But, the exercise is taking more weight off. And I know this is healthy for me. I am going to have to buy new pants and I boguht a smaller size sweater today. Clothes are starting to be big on me.

I was going to a gym before my husband died. After about 7 months I went back with my son once or twice...but just couldnt keep going. So during my good days I do exercise at home with some videos...its hard to stay motivated...but I try...I feel better when I do exercise...:)

What a great topic Truhal!

I totally believe exercise helps us not only physically but emotionally! I used to workout about 5 times a week until Bob got sick. I have always enjoyed working out, for most of my life.

Then I devoted most of my time to caring for my sweet husband. So the workouts pretty much stopped.

After Bob went to Heaven, I was invited to attend my church's aerobics class, called Praisercize....working out to great Christian music.. It is great!! I feel it is therapy for me. On other days, I vary my workouts, between, weight training, walking with girlfriends, step aerobics, Pilates, Yoga, or Hiking. I try to exercise 1 hour a day at least...
I truly believe this helps me to handle stress and is therapy for my missing Bob so much.
Often when I walk, I will have my Ipod with beautiful Worship music, to help me deal with my grief... and spend a big part of my walk praying and/ or crying!
I would highly encourage each of you... it really helps soooo much!

Linda

Good post Trudi - I am an exercise focused person and always have been so it's easy for me. When we moved to the city for my job, we bought a house next to a bike path so I could cycle to work each day. Without even thinking about it - I get an hour a day of moderate-hard exercise all year round 5-6 days a week. I walk the doggies when I get in too. I have a set of weights in the bathroom to help too. I read also that people who exercise generally don't need antidepressant drugs. I have never taken any and it maybe due to my regular exercise? Use it or lose it - you just have to push yourself to get out and exercise. Keep at it. John

I'm a runner, and will sometimes cross train by riding my bicycle, or swimming. I also try to join a basketball league during the winter months each year. Personally, I think that the "runners high" is a myth. It usually feels good when I'm done with my run!

Signing up for a "race" is a good way to get motivated.

Oh yes, exercise and balance in life is key. I'm at my best mentally when I'm in a regular exercise routine. I'm also the queen of KNOWING HOW to exercise, eat right, and having balance in my life, and I could tell everyone how to start, but.... I'm very extreme, either full on, or full off. It's the motivation factor with me, and as soon as I figure it out, I'll finally be the best I can be, Until then, I'll still be designing a plan. Oh well, at least I haven't given up because I will try, try again.... probably on a Monday.