I have OCD and working out ALWAYS makes me feel better whenever I have spikes. How does that work?
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Is it possible to not get the chemical release that everyone is mentioning? I’ve only ever felt drained after exercise. I’ve never had that “runners high”.
Exercise has been shown to have a number of benefits for mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving mood, and increasing feelings of well-being. It is thought that these benefits may be due to the effects of exercise on brain chemistry, as well as the sense of accomplishment and improved self-esteem that can come from setting and achieving fitness goals.
For people with OCD, exercise may be particularly helpful as it can provide a healthy outlet for the obsessive thoughts and behaviors that are characteristic of the disorder. It can also help to reduce stress and improve overall physical and mental well-being, which may have a positive impact on OCD symptoms. Additionally, exercise has been shown to improve sleep, which is important for overall mental health and can be particularly beneficial for those with OCD, as sleep disturbances are a common symptom of the disorder.
It’s important to note that exercise should be viewed as one part of a comprehensive treatment plan for OCD, and should not be relied upon as a standalone treatment. If you are seeking treatment for OCD, it is important to work with a mental health professional who can help you develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Chemistry and biology define your physiology. You release chemicals and endorphins that your system is lacking which restores balance to your system. Serotonin and dopamine receptors and a few others as well are stimulated.
Exercise releases a bunch of chemicals in your brain that help with stimulation, after some time your entire metabolism starts to change and so does your brain. For many it gives them a goal/purpose, better health and results long term are rewarding.
In my case I’ve been doing crossfit for a year already 3-4 times a week + walking and I’m still slightly miserable but strong with a big butt and less weight 😂
I usually don’t chime in but in this instance I’d like to share some personal takes, when I started actually exercising a lot (5-6 days per week while eating properly) I would notice abs, great skin, jaw line, I saw this version of myself over time and my confidence was through the roof I would wake up see this version of myself and be excited to go out and about, women would come and talk to me ask for my phone number, guys would give me compliments, that dark phase I went through where I was sort of over the average day to day life I haven’t achieved my goals it is what it is went out the door, it’s been freaking a great feeling since, can vouch looking after your body makes you feel much better
It’s the natural response for anxiety (fight or flight involves some type of physical effort) plus the happy hormones and in the long run it keeps you healthy, which means less reasons to be depressed. Also helps with sleep and self esteem. For some is a good way of socializing
People have needed to move and perform feats of strength and endurance for for most of history, so we evolved to feel better when we’re able to do that.
Furthermore, an exercise regimen introduces a positive habit, keeping up with which helps you feel more accomplished.
However, if a person with mental health problems also has neurological or physical problems that are exacerbated by exertion, a full-on exercise regime isn’t likely to help — although frequent walks and low-intensity workouts like stretching could have some benefit.
I have schizotypal personality disorder and chronic fatigue, so while I’m not able to go the whole nine yards, taking a walk a couple times a week noticeably improves my mood and energy levels. You do what you can.
Theres a bunch of different ways, that most people have talked about already.
One less known way is the effect of exercise on something called kinurine. Kinurine is a precursor to quinolinic acid – which is something that contributes to depression.
During exercise, your body transfers the kinurine from your brain to your muscles (to be used for metabolism). There’s less in your brain to then contribute to the development of a depressed state.
I always love using my phrase for this explanation.
“Push heavy rock, soft meat happy”
The joke aside, it is similar to a short term antidepressant. Doing something makes your brain happy since you achieved a success. Doing something that tires your body also forces your brain to focus on the muscle ache and all the other signals your body is giving out.
Partially pressing the mute button on the other bad signals your brain gives.
I like the way Arnold phrased it once:
“A good physique is the ultimate status symbol. It cannot be won, cannot be stolen, cannot be bought, cannot be inherited, cannot be gifted.
It’s something productive you can do only for yourself and nobody else can take that
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