Yeah if you're out of shape just go for some walks. I have a dog so I have to take 3 walks a day. I could just take her to a patch of grass but she needs exercise too so I at least take her around the neighborhood.
All that to say, those little walks are sometimes the only part of the day where I can think and process my thoughts. I highly recommend going without headphones for that reason.
Exercise is definitely a good "try this first" for mental health, but at the same time, no amount of jogging is going to fix something you need medication or therapy for, or the fact that you exist in a capitalist hellscape.
It’s certainly not going to be a cure all, but it is a part of many aspects that can help improve our mental health. A therapist may encourage clients to engage in activities that are generally healthy, such as regular exercise (perhaps a short walk, just to have some outside time and a break from whatever mental spiral may be taking place).
Our problems don’t always solve themselves in one hour sessions, it’s also about what we do outside of the sessions to try and supplement our journey towards better mental health. Not to mention, in a capitalist hellscape, many don’t have the time or finances for therapy or medicines. And a walk is sort of free. Why not?
I run frequently but sometimes I feel super low energy and the motivation isn’t there. Then my mood worsens when I stop running. Despite how it feels, once I force myself to finally go on a run, my mood improves instantly and I have to hold onto that to remind myself why it’s best to keep it as a regular habit.
It does help a lot, but as you get more fit, you'll find you have to push yourself harder to get the good feelings. Now I'll be in the middle of a jog and find myself getting distracted by anxieties if I'm not pushing myself hard enough.
Still always worth through, even if my legs constantly hurt now lol.
I’m always envious of the fatties, lording their capacity for adipose development over and around me. Meanwhile, I eat an uncomfortable amount to simply maintain my weight while doing cardio. I’d trade metabolisms any day.