I struggle with depression, but I always feel better after I exercise. Motivating myself to exercise when I feel so down is difficult, however. Do you have any tricks to motivate yourself to exercise when you just plain don’t want to? :)

I tell myself I only need to give it five minutes. Usually after five minutes I am more than happy to keep going, even if at an easier effort.

Think about how you’ll feel when you get done exercising. That sounds so simple but it’s true. The best reward you can possibly get from doing anything is happiness. -Fellow Depressed Person

I also struggle with depression and I totally get you... First thing, always involve one or two friends in the process... so you always have a buddy to do exercises with you... when you have a friend... he/she will encourage you and you will encourage him/her. Second thing, try to remember the exercise will help your body but also you soul! Your body will produce endorphins and other hormones that will help you to handle with your depression. Third, if you don’t manage something big... go out for a walk... you can go and buy fresh bread in the closest bakery... you can go out and sit in the closest park to see birds..... something that bring you joy

I like to set myself a reward. I like to tell myself that if I do the run then I will get a large slice of cake for example. This way I push myself, motivate myself to run in order to receive that reward. But it doesn’t have to be food! It could be an extra five minutes in bed or an activity you don’t do often. Whatever makes you want to run in order to get that reward (I find listening to music aslo helps of you aren’t listening to music already). In short: treat yo' self! :)

I tend to pair the exercise with something that I like. For me, that’s listening to Chuck and Josh on the 'Stuff you should know' podcast. Depending on the activity, you’ll have to pair something that is compatible. It really helps you balance out things till a habit forms

I don’t have a specific answer for you. When I’m down, I also don’t feel like exercising as well. I will just work with what I can at that point in time. For example, if exercising for 20 mins feels like it’s too much, I will just simply take a short walk and consider it as my exercise of the day. Otherwise, I will just start to move my body a little. The small action usually breaks the inertia of not moving and helps me to move a little more. Presently, I set a schedule so that I can keep to it regardless of how I am feeling.

I was exactly in your situation last year. You know that you would feel better after exercise so just start it! Don’t wait till you feel good to start just start you’ll feel better. After awhile you can do it with less afford. But consider how much your exercise is intense to get the most of this. Good luck 🍀 Jito!

Well, that’s a good question. I usually exercise at home by doing stretch, yoga etc...I also have an app for exercising!!

For me, to get through a lot of thing, I can’t allow myself to think because thinking stops action in its tracks. Never allow yourself to dwell or you will psyche yourself out. I did it for dishes the day before yesterday, for example, because I find certain aspects of this particular chore to be extremely uncomfortable. Do not let yourself think.

When I cannot find the motivation to exercise, I don’t beat myself up about it. We all have bad days. Instead of planning for a full work out, I instead tell myself it’s enough when I just do maybe 3 jumping jacks or push ups. Nothing big, just a small number. I can get myself to do that, usually, because it’s not as exhausting and doesn’t demand as much energy. Or maybe even just swaying to music - it’s better than sitting or lying in bed all day! To run, I tell myself to just put on the shoes and step in front of the door, that’s enough. I don’t have any more expectations for myself. Just do this tiny piece. But most often I realise that once I’ve stepped outside, it would be weird to go right back inside, so I tell myself that maybe I can do a quick walk. And then it usually flows. Don’t be too hard on yourself and recognise that you might not have the energy to do the same thing every day. That’s fine! Make the steps as small as possible and then celebrate it!