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.
I think any activity that makes the mind think outside of itself stops the internal conflicts, at least for a while. Walking in woodland is a good way to relax as the foliafe gives off relaxing scents and odours, and antibacterial chemicals to fend off pesky insects, and green is the most pleasing and relaxing colour to have around you.
Jacob
What goes around comes around.
The advice about starting from scratch seems to be a little and often, but take it easy. 3 minutes running followed by 2 minutes walking etc.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeand...at-can-get-you-to-the-marathon-finishing-line
C25K worked for me, never previously having run anywhere, except to catch a bus or get to a pub before closing time. https://c25k.com/
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Blackswanwood
Still Learning
It’s interesting reading the different perspectives on this.
I hadn’t thought about the distinction between hobby and professional woodwork but can see why it’s different if woodworking is inextricably linked with running a business. I can also appreciate how soul destroying it could be when a potential customer has an unrealistic price expectation.
Anyway, the Viking Boat that they have built looks spectacular and I’m looking forward to seeing it when it’s on display.
I hadn’t thought about the distinction between hobby and professional woodwork but can see why it’s different if woodworking is inextricably linked with running a business. I can also appreciate how soul destroying it could be when a potential customer has an unrealistic price expectation.
Anyway, the Viking Boat that they have built looks spectacular and I’m looking forward to seeing it when it’s on display.
I don’t find wood working very rewarding because I’ve approached it from the industrial manufacturing end.
I spend most of my time fiddling with machines, CAD and designing custom tooling.
When all of that aligns however and the board of wood is cut into a billet, then into a fitch of veneers, then book-matched, but-joined, sanded and finally vacuum pressed, turning it into a beautiful laminated plate; I feel a sense of achievement.
The best bit is buying the wood. Perusing the wood yards, inspecting stacks of ‘through and through’ cut boards, looking for interesting patters, grain type/direction etc… I’ve got quite a few boards of highly figured sycamore which I’m really excited to book match.
So no woodworking itself has no ‘release’ for me. The purchasing of wood and designing efficient high quality operations, to aid manufacturing, does.
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Jaco
Established Member
I am impressed, still running at 80.
After the knee replacement I was advised to stop running. The metal implant has a life of say only 20 years. Another 4 to go.
Cycling - gave the bike away not so long ago as my balance started wobbling.
I walked a lot, 45 mins every morning very fast. Had to stop, stuffed up the left foot.
Picking up weight (not weights!) from not a lot of activity.
Got a mate here in his 80s who is on his second "bionic knee"..gives him constant pain.
My left knee has been "off" since I was 12 ( now 69 ) when someone shoulder charged me at school, just as I was taking an almighty kick at a football next to a 30 metre high tree..I connected with the tree. 3 weeks off school, knee swollen up like a football, bed rest leg raised , and a nurse came to the house every day to draw off fluid with a huge syringe and needle.Never been right since.
Nowadays ( last 10 years ) I have to plan squatting or bending down to reach stuff on the floor or on low shelves carefully, there has to be something solid that I can use on the left side to lever myself back to standing without pressure on that knee.Walks of more than a kilometre are out, as is cycling outside as if I had a puncture further away that a km, I'd not be able to push the bike home.Exercise bike lives in the kitchen.
Given Michel's experience, I'll not be having a bionic knee fitted .
It's got me into stick making though, although my personal ones have to be extra sturdy as I grew up to be big. I've mates who are bigger, some much bigger.
Mme ( who is 5 foot and less than 45 kg ) , says I'm an "armoire à glace"..and when she's standing around me and my mates, it's like she's in an industrial freezer shop. I preferred playing Rugby, as do / did my mates. She watches it on TV.."coaches , loudly , from the "relaxer" €3000.00 chair I picked up for free for her.
We've ( mates and I ) all got dodgy knees though, even indoor running machines are out due to the impacts on the knees. Yeah, doing weights keeps you fit ( ish ) , as does cutting down trees and sculpting the subsequent logs.Just have to watch my back though, coughed so hard after Covid that I herniated two ( not one but two..a BOGOF ) discs in my lower back, carry oxycontin with me everywhere I go, just in case the pain gets really stupid again, as opposed to the constant dull ache.
Recently diagnosed with COPD..so a second go of Covid is deffo out of the question..micro crystalline salt filter mask ( self made ) for all visits to shops etc.
My left knee has been "off" since I was 12 ( now 69 ) when someone shoulder charged me at school, just as I was taking an almighty kick at a football next to a 30 metre high tree..I connected with the tree. 3 weeks off school, knee swollen up like a football, bed rest leg raised , and a nurse came to the house every day to draw off fluid with a huge syringe and needle.Never been right since.
Nowadays ( last 10 years ) I have to plan squatting or bending down to reach stuff on the floor or on low shelves carefully, there has to be something solid that I can use on the left side to lever myself back to standing without pressure on that knee.Walks of more than a kilometre are out, as is cycling outside as if I had a puncture further away that a km, I'd not be able to push the bike home.Exercise bike lives in the kitchen.
Given Michel's experience, I'll not be having a bionic knee fitted .
It's got me into stick making though, although my personal ones have to be extra sturdy as I grew up to be big. I've mates who are bigger, some much bigger.
Mme ( who is 5 foot and less than 45 kg ) , says I'm an "armoire à glace"..and when she's standing around me and my mates, it's like she's in an industrial freezer shop. I preferred playing Rugby, as do / did my mates. She watches it on TV.."coaches , loudly , from the "relaxer" €3000.00 chair I picked up for free for her.
We've ( mates and I ) all got dodgy knees though, even indoor running machines are out due to the impacts on the knees. Yeah, doing weights keeps you fit ( ish ) , as does cutting down trees and sculpting the subsequent logs.Just have to watch my back though, coughed so hard after Covid that I herniated two ( not one but two..a BOGOF ) discs in my lower back, carry oxycontin with me everywhere I go, just in case the pain gets really stupid again, as opposed to the constant dull ache.
Recently diagnosed with COPD..so a second go of Covid is deffo out of the question..micro crystalline salt filter mask ( self made ) for all visits to shops etc.
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Jacob
What goes around comes around.
But I only started at 75 ish! And mine was hip replacement which is less problematic.
Mine was done 4 years ago. Physio said OK but advised me not to do anything wildly strenuous such as fell running, jumping etc implying discretely that I'd most likely be dead anyway, before the hip wore out.
Arthritis did for me - wrists, getting leg over, etc. but recovering now. Balance seems fine on the bike
Diet!
So he OK'ed you for sharpening though ?
Jacob
What goes around comes around.
Might be worth asking a physio for help. I did for a 10 year persistent pain in upper arm due to falling off my bike ("rotator cuff injury"). The exercises were surprisingly simple - not energetic at all, and the pain went in a few weeks!
Jacob
What goes around comes around.
Yes she said don't eff about with gadgets just do it the natural easy way.
