Is It Normal To Feel Down When Not Working Out?

[Alyssa11]

I started working out seriously since last summer. Since then it’s become a habit and I work out 5 days a week usually. I haven’t worked out in the past 4 days and I feel like my mental health has dropped.

I mainly started working out for my mental health and to feel physically stronger.

Is this normal, has anyone experienced something similar?

[zeitgeist057]

Yep, this is actually known physiology. Exercise releases "feel good chemicals" and is part of a healthy and happy existence. So it makes sense when you don't exercise and don't release those chemicals, you are going to feel comparatively down.

Lots of depressed and other "mentally ill" people would benefit greatly and have reduced if not totally nonexistent symptoms if they established healthy practices of sleep, diet, and exercise. Those three things are foundations of happiness that are majorly lacking in a lot of our culture, and it's endemic. Walk into your average supermarket and I estimate about 75% of what is sold there as "food", is actually toxic garbage that will depress your systems if you eat it.

[Alyssa11]

True. My diet has been shit since I stopped going gym recently as well :(

[zeitgeist057]

It can be a downward cycle, one thing leading to the next. Feeling a bit down? Maybe I decide to sit on the couch and watch a movie. Then of course, I might have some chips. Also, since I didn't exercise, I don't feel that tired, and watch another movie and don't sleep until late.

It's kind of weird how our body seeks out trash food (full of sugar and fat usually) when we are feeling down. It's the perfect time for a bit of ice cream or a basket of chips.

[Alyssa11]

Exactly. And then one day leads to another and before you know it you’re not yourself anymore!

[zeitgeist057]

But the good news is every day is a new day and we can always pick ourselves up and make the best of it from here on out! :D

[Alyssa11]

Very true!!

[exitseven]

You boost your endorphins when you work out. You are missing that feeling of well being. You are also feeling guilty about being lazy. Get back on that horse today.

[Alyssa11]

I can't drive to the gym until Friday which is when my car insurance renews :( So two more days to go!!

[exitseven]

do some push ups.

[Alyssa11]

Might just do that!

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO

[Alyssa11]

You're welcome

[ChrisMaster69]

Yeah currently going through that at moment.

I busted my wrist last month, and have a pretty bad case of tendinitis with my thumb and wrist, enough that I squeal if move it too quickly.

This has pretty much ruled out all running, as moving my arm forward causes a lot of pain around my wrist and thumb area.

I cannot mountain bike, run or do stuff around the house, I actually struggle carrying plates from dishwasher to cupboard lol.

yeah fucked off and down is a huge understatement.

oh banged up on pain killers, sweating my boobs off also figure in to it lol

[Alyssa11]

Aw no!! Hope you get better very soon!!

[ChrisMaster69]

Me to, trust me it’s annoying as fuck.

I do need to go to A&E with it, I don’t think I broke anything 😂

[Alyssa11]

Hopefully!

[ohshee]

Well that's because do not motivate me you're not moving so your blood is moving slower you have no fresh air in your brain or in your lungs because you're not mood with me you're thinking about hot passion wanting to feel that beautiful sensation in motion and touch so feels better just to lay down and relax it's okay this time is needed right now to to rejuvenate your body so when you do start breathing fresh air and start moving your body you'll have ten times more than strength and you will feel rejuvenated and fresh, and just feel better

[Bklynbadboy12]

It's not normal but in your case if you start at working out for you mental health and you started feeling better and then stop and you haven't felt so good then that would be normal for you so you know what you have to do right get back in that gym ASAP ok

[IDontBelieveIt]

Yes, People who exercise regularly have better mental health and emotional well-being, boosts our mood, concentration and alertness.

[DaveToo]

Any change in your physiology will have consequences. You know you should be working out and your mind is telling you that. Get back to it as soon as you are able.

[EaterPeter]

I guess. It may have became part of your routine and you would have got attached.

[Alyssa11]

I think so!! I feel like something is missing.

[EaterPeter]

Thanks for like!

[RealMarek]

Yes, it is normal. It’s good to have a calisthetic routine you can do at home (there are videos online) if you can’t make it to the gym.

[Ms_Vanderquack]

Absolutely, if I miss a day for one reason or another I feel drained.

[BeachLuvR97]

I think so, yes. I walk a lot, and, if I miss a day, my mind feels like sludge. (Or, did I skip walking because my mind feels like sludge?)

I think that one of the biggest factors is sleep.

[Andres77]

Lack of the endorphins when you stopped working out, maybe?

[Chris2769]

Yes, research shows that a feel good hormone gets released when you exercise🏌️‍♂️

[Wise4myage]

Yes, I think that's very normal. You just need to get back into it.

[Tstrbrainer]

Yeah definitely, I haven't worked out in a long time and yeah I feel terrible, like I'm a... well, whatever

[Iron_Man]

Yes of course the same thing is happening to me

[msc545]

Yes, it is

[ItsMeItsMe1989]

Nope