Can't exercise getting depressed

chamaeleonsky · **Joined:** Fri Jan 28, 2011 5:22 pm **Posts:** 77

I injured my back, got 2 steroid injections, waited awhile, started couch25k, week 4 pain came back. After my next epidural my doctor
Told me no exercise for at least a month until my follow up where I'm positive he will tell me to continue resting. I'm starting to feel the effects of being sedentary (other ythan wishing I could just use my body) and getting miserable in general even though I'm not in that much pain. How do I get the emotional benefits of exercising without exercising?

orangeluna · **Joined:** Wed Oct 20, 2010 6:45 pm **Posts:** 285

I want to know the answer to this question as well so I can get those benefits without having to get up off my butt. :)

Joking aside, exercising has always kept me feeling good emotionally as well. Has your doc ruled out low impact exercises like swimming and walking as well?

beforewisdom · **Joined:** Thu Dec 09, 2010 5:28 pm **Posts:** 848

chamaeleonsky wrote:

How do I get the emotional benefits of exercising without exercising?

Drink plain tea. I'm serious. I've seen articles how caffiene, along with other chemicals unique to tea, light up large portions of the brain in addition to being slightly mood altering.

Meditating at least 10 minutes every day is also a natural mood enhancer. Give yourself about 2 weeks to notice that effect.

Meggs · **Joined:** Wed Oct 20, 2010 6:49 pm **Posts:** 9137

Can you do things like yoga or pilates? I realize it's not cardio like you're used to, but it's something. It will keep you moving and might even strengthen your back, specifically with regard to pilates (so ask doctor first.)

chamaeleonsky · **Joined:** Fri Jan 28, 2011 5:22 pm **Posts:** 77

all great suggestions.
tea, I already drink several cups a day (both green and black, rarely herbal).
swimming and such might be a future solution, but right now I can't do anything that might irritate my condition, as I just had the last epidural I can have in this time period, so I'm shiitake out of luck if I hurt it again (still going over other options with doc)
i suck at yoga and meditating. every once in awhile i enjoy it, but i just cant keep my mind in it. especially at times like these when i'm not already relaxed from other exercise. my mind is just hyperactive and i get bored/distracted super easy.
thanks for the suggestions, at least i'm not alone!

Morgyn · **Posted:** Tue Apr 26, 2011 3:19 am

Get as much sunshine as you can, too! I hope you recover soon.

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