For me it is Running. I run and run and run, or at least I used too, until this depressive episode struck resulting on me starting Citalopram. 4 weeks in, things are looking up. I won't say great yet, but definitely up. It maybe partly due to being signed off work (the cause of my anxiety and depression). My bromiter for feeling better is to get back to running and enjoy it. I went from running 7-8 times a week to nothing overnight.
Over the past 2 weeks I've managed to get out for a couple of runs. I even did one race, but I raced slowly, without my stopwatch, and without pressure of time.
Last night I ran with a good friend. Again slowly for me, but at last I felt a little better. I was running without the awful stress and tension in my shoulders. At last I enjoyed it again. The buzz of endorphins at the end made me feel great. So much so I ventured back to my running club this evening. That though was maybe a step too quick. I don't have the legs for running 2 days in a row anymore. I've got to build it up slowly. I guess the same approach as when I started the cit. but still, I did it, and that was a massive milestone for me today.
So true. The trouble with anxiety and depression is that we tend to withdraw from everything - getting back to stuff we love helps recovery but it's so tough to push and get there! Yours is a huge achievement, so glad you shared it. I play in a band and just stopped for 18 months, didn't pick up an instrument. Now I'm back but I've made sure some people know my situation so if I miss rehearsals it's no big deal - like you, just keeping the pressure off. Be kind to yourself!
Well done on managing a run and yep, you'll just have to gradually build it up! Try walking in between runs. If you feel like it (and I don't want to teach anyone how to suck eggs here!) do some really good warm up exercises first and jog a little. If you get any knots in yer leg muscles be sure to untangle them properly and fully as I suffered from a really bad calf tear a few years ago. I had been a prat of a fully organised military charity run around the SW Peninsular coastal path and acquired a 'knot', but I ran on thinking I could get by with some extra exercises to try and strengthen it WRONG!. A week later at a wedding party will dancing/prancing it went TWANG!
Unfortunately, I did inherit something fromn my parents - OsteoArthritis so my running days were benned back in 2005 and man! Do I miss it! I miss being that fit, the endorphines the chance to meditate and enjoy Mother Nature at her best any time of the day or night!