Poll Exercise And Ptsd

[nycowboy]

When I exercise, especially when I go horseback riding, I find that I am mostly, if not totally, able to function normally for the rest of the day. I have such a positive time with my horse that ... well, I can't explain it. It's just almost euphoric. I wish I could go riding every day.

 

[Changing4Best]

I walk mildly with my dog maybe 5 days per week, and this is better than I did do for years, so it is an improvement. Some friends and I on this forum decided to do THE HAP{PINESS CHALLENGE and so we tried to incorporate exercise into our challenge. I am 59 years old, so mile walking is all I can do, I can't run. I supposed I could stretch, but other than doing so in my bed when I first wake each day, I usually don't. My stretching is just to help wake me up and is in no way considerable as exercise as far as I am concerned.

 

[Ti Vu]

Ever since my diagnosis, I walk a lot. It keeps me busy. Helps ground me. I just walk for miles. Listening to my iPod, seeing the beautiful sights around me. Makes me forget for a bit. I also lift 4 times a week. Not so motivated to go heavy anymore, unfortunately. It still gives me purpose/focus and helps me pace my breathing, I feel.

 

[seedling]

I walk a short bit every day. I used to walk for miles as well. I would try to appreciate the beauty around me as I went and if I couldn't I would tell myself "this is how I am getting better." And it was true.

 

[Philippa]

I've been doing these exercises called the 5 Tibetan Rites for about 4 weeks now, nearly every day and they've really helped to stabilize me, give me energy and make me feel great. I feel my core strength is building the more I do them. Cheaper than pilates.

I can access states of Bliss after doing them as I've recently discovered, so it's made a huge difference already...but it has also exacerbated my symptoms somewhat and brought up a lot of stuff for me. I noticed the last few days I've been increasingly agitated when I'm in the city and at work.

I don't like the city much anyway, but I haven't noticed myself getting so agitated at everything as I do when I'm there. Maybe it's time to move out to the forest finally? But yeah, I really recommend them. They can be found on you tube and take about 15 minutes a day to do. They are a good habit to get into.

Besides that I ride my bike and love to walk and listen to music and tune out for a bit.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

exercise makes me sleep like a baby.

right now I'm being lazy tho. :-(

 

[Ravenhorse]

I'm a huge believer in exercise. I find lifting weights especially helpful. I often feel powerless and "small" when I push myself to start. I record how I am feeling in my exercise journal. Then as I lift the weights I feel empowered. I am making myself stronger. I am not a victim. Not such a victim, anyway. I am not a bodybuilder--I'm an empowerment builder. :)
And weavingcowboy, I hear you--being around horses--and riding too, is heaven for me.

 

[Hatshepsut]

I used to love exercise and it helped me feel so much better...stronger, more confident, and capable. Then suddenly I started getting super sick after exercise and excessive fatigue, etc. I'm still looking into what has happened...I miss exercise so much!

 

[InvisibleSun]

I just recently started exercising about 3-4 times a week and it has really helped me a lot. I get really keyed up and need a release to all the tension and exercise gives me that. Calms my anger and nervous energy. I do a lot of hiking too and that has been wonderful as well. Very therapeutic..

 

[Truthful_Whispers]

I have weight trained for 25+ years. It never was so much about ego or vanity, as it was about feeling strong. I never want to feel like that weak, abused child that I used to be years ago ever again. My depression can sometimes make it very difficult to get motivated to exercise these days, but I still manage to press on.

 

[Sarah412]

I used to exercise all the time..still love the feeling of being healthy and fit. But since being hit with ptsd, I simply pass out if I push myself. And instead of feeling good after..I'll end up feeling crappy for ages!
(Still trying to find out why..)