Running is suggested to many who have mental issues. I've taken out and run with many people who took up running just to de-stress and at least two who have attempted suicide. Lone running helps some to think things through but my favourite is running with others which can change the conversation from the one that's going on in your mind. I hope to get back to it soon. I miss the adrenaline. The woodwork, especially lathe work has been a great substitute while I can't run but I find I need both to completely satisfy me.
Mental Health benefit of woodwork
- Thread starter Blackswanwood
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Jacob
What goes around comes around.
yes thats it - it gives you a good shaking, physically and mentally, and you feel better afterwards, as well as improving health in the longer term.
Also need not take up much time - Parkrun average is around 30 minutes for the 5 km but it's totally non competitive and people stagger around in an hour or more if necessary, with everybody offering encouragement. Can take just an hour out of your Saturday morning if there's one nearby.
For us ole scrotes, running becomes a danger to the more physical aspects of health, as the poor ole body begins to suffer the cumulative effects of all that ballistic thumping i' the joints. I know so many runners with bad ankles, knees, hips, backs, necks ..... . Some keep going but seem to end up either semi-crippled or reliant on not just one, not just two but three artificial knees, as they keep going after the initial instalment and wreck one so have to have another. (The NHS refuse to do fourths).
Part of the problem is that running is addictive - those endorphin highs. Add the pleasure of a sociable run and you need a running fix even more!
I liked running, especially in the group. It got done even when working silly hours in a job (spit) via an active lunch break group run or even runs to & from the workplace. But the joints said, "STOP!"
Luckily for me I like swimming and cycling too; and they're enough. Swimming in a group is a bit difficult (although see film "Men who Swim") but a group bike ride can be a very fine day or half day out, with a greater ability to talk (the downhills, even in a fast group) and more things seen in more places reached per event. There's also the traditional cafe stops at half way 'round, which can become happily riotous.
Both swimming and cycling are a lot kinder to the old body. Add a bit of basic gym and keep the joints & sinews more resilient too (with some more endorphin resulting an' all). Use it or lose it!
Jacob
What goes around comes around.
I'm 80. I started running a few years back to get myself in better health before a hip replacement. Was previously an active cyclist but arthritis had made it really difficult, wrists, hands, getting leg over etc.
Running OK, arthritis more or less disappeared, feeling a lot better in every way.
It was explained to me that running is suggested because it is not only the most convenient exercise as in you only really need a pair of running shoes and a good sports bra for the ladies and you can do it straight from your front door, but it is also the most natural thing to do as a human. We are the only animal on Earth built to run extremely long distances. I regularly ran ultra-distances up until my retirement eight years ago and have only run a couple of 50 kms since. I know many people with buckled knees and joints that have never run in their life but I do agree that for some it might be a hindrance to their joints I think though, for many, there was an underlying problem just waiting to arise and the exercise they chose brought it out. I also agree about swimming, it exercises just about every muscle group and is probably the best all-round workout but also has its injury problems like any exercise. But, I think as far as treating mental health is concerned, if you don't have to go somewhere (gym, pool, track) you are more likely to keep up what's most convenient.
Endorphins? Does it last long?
Jacob
What goes around comes around.
Coupla days plus some little aches and pains, but the benefit in general felt for much longer.
Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)
Established Member
As touched on by others, there are a number of reasons woodwork can aid mental health. One that has not been mentioned is that of control - the shed is a world where you control what happens. There are so many YouTube videos and forum posts about building the ideal shed or cabinet or creating storage ... all equals bringing order as a contrast to the chaos of the world outside.
There is definitely some of that for me. Also, while I enjoy the journey of a build, it is the destination which brings constant pleasure. I can look around my home at the pieces I have contributed, and marvel "did I really do that?". It is deeply satisfying to have created something.
In my day job as a psychologist, creativity and problem-solving are the constant needs. One of the reasons I do this job is the stimulation from these needs as a part of diagnosis and therapy. The same process is involved with the design and execution of furniture - analysing, designing, planning, skills in execution. And doing it well is just so satisfying.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Miniaturist modelers ( not just railway modelers ) often cite similar regarding control, the ability to create self contained worlds where they can relax and feel safe and creative. Lose them selves in their little worlds.Whatever helps one get by, as long as it harms no-one else, animals included.
Take a look at miniatura.co.uk for a taste of the rabbit hole ..Rod Stewart's model railway is his pride and joy, all buildings, props, scenery etc, hand built by the man himself.
Take a look at miniatura.co.uk for a taste of the rabbit hole ..Rod Stewart's model railway is his pride and joy, all buildings, props, scenery etc, hand built by the man himself.
Ollie78
Established Member
I think there is great points here, I agree there is something to the physical activity thing.
I have always hated running unless its for a sport and I have a slightly dodgy knee but I do lift weights which suits me better and stops my back from hurting, one of the benefits of weight lifting is the increase in bone density and general tendon strength etc.
There is an interesting book called the barbell prescription ( written by a medical doctor ) which lays out the benefits for all ages. Many people of advanced age have completely reversed health conditions by lifting heavy stuff a couple of times a week ( carefully with proper form ! ).
As thingybob says there is satisfaction in seeing a project from concept through to the end. Something real. I sort of forget all about it once its finished, it`s the process that is engaging.
I have always hated running unless its for a sport and I have a slightly dodgy knee but I do lift weights which suits me better and stops my back from hurting, one of the benefits of weight lifting is the increase in bone density and general tendon strength etc.
There is an interesting book called the barbell prescription ( written by a medical doctor ) which lays out the benefits for all ages. Many people of advanced age have completely reversed health conditions by lifting heavy stuff a couple of times a week ( carefully with proper form ! ).
As thingybob says there is satisfaction in seeing a project from concept through to the end. Something real. I sort of forget all about it once its finished, it`s the process that is engaging.
