how do you get yourself into shape ? Physically as well as mentally : read explanation?

Question

I want to get back into shape physically as well as mentally: on the one hand, I seem to suffer from depression, on the
other hand I really do want to change things but seem not
to have the strength. A condition I have found myself in for years. I have just been able to survive so far, I do need help -
please serious comments.

Thanks everybody, it was really good
to have your answers.
AG, could you a bit more about
Burmese mediation ?
Thanks, Cu .

Answer 1

This seems to be a vicious circle to me - I have depression and I'm piling on the pounds.
I know that exercising will help me to lose weight and make me feel better but I cannot motivate myself to start. If you haven;t experienced depression it is hard to appreciate exactly how difficult it is to do the things you know will benefit you.
Maybe enlisting a friend to start exercising you will help as once you get in to a routine with them you will feel the benefits and it is harder to put off exercising when someone else is there encouraging you.

Answer 2

The two go hand in hand in more ways than one. If you are fit mentally, then you know you'll have the motivation and the strength to get fit physically. And if you're getting fit physically, you're in turn getting fit mentally because you're feeling better about yourself and exercise can release endorphins etc. So I think it s a very positive step you're taking wanting to change things, its just the getting there! I think the main problem is that you're focusing on this one massive goal to get fit mentally and physically and because its such a big goal, it feels like a huge mission to get there and this make sit even harder for you to be motivated. What you need to do is break it down into smaller chunks. Why don't you say to yourself, this week I want to have gone out for a short walk at least once. And then the following week see if you can go out twice.... then three times and so on and so on. Or if you don't fancy going out, buy an exercise bike (they are very cheap) and exercises at home in front of the TV if you like! Again, just st yourself small, achievable goals. Take it one day at a time and you'll slowly build up the confidence and motivation and the strength to do More and more.

Answer 3

Many people suffer depression at some point in their life in different degrees. I don't pretend to be an expert but most things start from the mind and then manifest themselves in our actions and thoughts. Basically meditation would probably help you out immensely, however there are many forms but the majority have the same principle. That is to get the mind to a good state of well being. If you have more questions just ask. I myself do a Burmese form of mediation and have found it personally gratifying.

In my opinion anyone is capable of healing themselves, especially when it comes to depression. It takes a lot of internal strength and self belief. If you have no one to talk to then this can be even harder, but think if you don't try then the alternative is worse.

It also depends on context whether you're depressed over an environmental factor or something to do with yourself physically. TRUST yourself in this issue and DON'T allow anyone to manipulate you.
Hope this helps

Answer 4

You have to set yourself a goal in life.
Try and see where you want to be in 5, then 10 years time.

Its hard to change things but the first step is always the hardest as it may be scary stepping into the unknown.

I took up Taekwondo for self defence and fitness but have found that you also start to develop a mentall attitude of 'can do'.

Try and join a club of any sorts and it will give you a goal system which you c an apply to your personal and work life.

Good luck.

Answer 5

i think its a case of getting started, slowly. You need to join a gym or club of some sort and learn about the aspects of what you want to improve on,ie: cardio or muscularity ect. then you can learn how you can improve on these areas. just attending a regular fitness class will get you to meet new people and help motivate you. exercise also helps your mood and boosts energy levels so once you begin you may feel improvements and feel you have the engergy to continue. having this as a focus and a hobbie will also help keep your mind occupied and may also help because you will be learning new things and putting them into practice. Just get out there and give yourself a time frame of 3 weeks from when you join to the next time you evaluate yourself and seeing an improvement in this time will help you because you know you will be going down the right lines. remember you are what you eat too so ensure you have a healthy diet and eat regularly. Good luck and e-mail me if you want any help and i will do my best! go for it!!

Answer 6

Horrible viscious circle - gentle exercise if you can is a good way to start - but before that you'll probably find you need something proper to fuel you up in the first place - some nice well balanced nosh - be kind to yourself maybe even a walk to the shops or a local market, and if you can afford it some holistic pampering like massage/reiki/reflexology even a sunshine holiday? If you are lucky also your doctor may be able to book you onto a counselling course which may help. It can be overcome. Good Luck

Answer 7

Physical:
Take good and balanced diet.
take some light exercise,most easy and suitable ,walking 30 to 45 minutes a day.
Mental: Read and listen more.
Talk less.

Shed EGO and PRIDE.
Be positive minded always and respect the feelings of others.

Answer 8

Walk more. Good for the body, good for the mind. Especially for men. I remember reading about some therapy in Australia where the patient and the doctor walked side by side and talked about stuff. It's just how men are.

Obviusly walking in inspiring countyside or on a beautiful beach is going to be better for your mind and body than walking in rush-hour traffic or an inner-city crack den area or whatever.

Answer 9

2 shots of tequila a cold Mt. Dew (caffeine) a tangerine a clean Aloha shirt the goal to shoot holes in what people believe is the truth and answer question as fair as possible based on my almost 1/2 century of life experiences.

Answer 10

u might be suffering from long term depression,please donot try to change things all by u r self cause if u do so n if u fail u'll get even more depressed,its true its what i've experienced first hand,so try to take the help of professionals to get well physically n mentally probably they could guide u better
ALL THE BEST