I am a huge believer in the miracle drug of regular exercise. Many of us reach indifference (one way or another) but still don't feel complete. I think I get that...In particular, I don't think we should ask more of baclofen than it can deliver. It kills the craving of alcoholism. Isn't that enough?
For me the road to a true and recovered sense of balance and well-being has been all about regular exercise. Over the last ten or so years, I have been going to the gym 2 or 3 times a week for an hour (atleast) a visit. During much of this period I have used a trainer (to make sure I show up and make sure I really work). I also do additional cardio atleast 2 or 3 times a week and feel even better if I can find time for up to 4 or 5 cardio 'events'. My cardio routine is usually an hour running, but I mix it up during the summer with road biking and 'cardio tennis'. Cardio tennis is my term for me and a high school or college kid hitting and me telling him to make me run. We never keep score. In the winter I have been skiing a lot the past few years (60 days each the past two), but in truth downhill skiing is neither a gym workout or a serious cardio session. But it is tons of fun and gets me off my butt and outdoors in the winter. Throw in a little bit of hiking and a tiny bit of golf (without a cart whenever possible) and that's pretty much it.
I find the gym and cardio sessions dissolve my anxiety within 5 or ten minutes of starting and I am far more calm, balanced, organized and productive when I get back to my desk. The resulting sense of nearly constant well-being is nothing short of miraculous. Perhaps not as miraculous as bac, but right up there. Also, when I feel anxiety descending (sense of dread, colliding thoughts, diminishing patience, etc.) I know I can lick it with as little as a half hour run. Whenever possible I'll stop what I'm doing and go run. I've been doing it for nearly ten years now and quit drinking altogether six years ago. It really works...for me, at least.
Best,
Cass
I had never really thought about exercise as an anti-anxiety remedy -but it truly is, at least for me. Not only does it almost immediately begin to reduce anxiety after starting exercise, it can work its calming properties for up to 3 or 4 hours after the workout. On top of that, I feel much better the next day just knowing that exercised the day before.
In my opinion, exercise can and will play a huge role in almost anyone's life. As Cass says, a sense of well-being does flood the system -at least this has been my experience as of late. (This sense of well-being kicks in after about 30 minutes of post-cardio workout)
There are not many drugs that can match the feeling that I get post-workout. I am very curios as to why I don't choose exercise as quickly as I do other drugs that produce a feeling of "well being"? Perhaps it is the thought of how much is required with any particular activity to achieve the result?
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