Powering My Recovery From Schizophrenia

Hello Everyone! I'm Stephen. Today, I'm excited to update you on a topic near and dear to my heart - the transformative power of regular physical activity and outdoor engagement on my journey with schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia and Wellness: The Power of Physical Activity and The Great Outdoors!
Over time, I've grown to appreciate regular exercise's positive influence on my life. This newfound appreciation propelled me to dive deeper into the research available regarding exercise's impact on schizophrenia, and I'm eager to share these insights with you.
Unraveling the Connection: Physical Activity and Schizophrenia
Although it's common knowledge that exercise holds many benefits for everyone, its impact is particularly transformative for individuals like me who live with mental health conditions, including schizophrenia. As a result, mental health professionals have long emphasized the importance of integrating exercise into comprehensive treatment plans for mental health conditions.
Recent research, such as a study published in the "Journal of Psychiatric Research" in 2021, has shed light on how regular physical activity can help mitigate both the positive symptoms (like hallucinations and delusions) and negative symptoms (such as apathy and social withdrawal) associated with schizophrenia.
The Exercise Effect: A Personal Perspective
Here are the four key areas where I've noticed a significant positive shift since integrating regular exercise into my routine:
Boosted Mood & Depression Management:
Regular exercise has served as a powerful mood-enhancer, helping to alleviate depression - a common co-occurring condition for those living with schizophrenia. In addition, releasing endorphins during exercise generates feelings of happiness and a sense of euphoria.
Sharpened Cognitive Function:
Schizophrenia often impacts cognitive function, but I've noticed considerable improvements in this area since I started exercising regularly. Research, like a study published in 'Schizophrenia Bulletin' in 2019, supports this, showing that consistent physical activity can enhance cognitive capabilities, including memory and attention span.
Improved Sleep Quality:
Sleep issues, a frequent symptom of schizophrenia, were a significant challenge for me before I incorporated regular physical activity into my routine. However, exercise has been instrumental in helping me achieve more restful and quality sleep.
Anxiety Reduction:
For me, exercise is a natural and effective way to manage anxiety. Physical activity helps regulate mental and physical stress, decreases anxiety, and enhances overall well-being.
My Wellness Routine
As the saying goes, "different strokes for different folks." My routine may not be the perfect fit for everyone, but I'm happy to share it in the hope that it may inspire you.
I strive for at least 60 minutes of moderate exercise daily, including walking, stretching, and strength training. Although yoga and meditation are not currently part of my regimen, I know they are crucial for helping foster a balanced and centered mindset.
A Gentle Nudge Towards Wellness
Embarking on an exercise routine might initially seem intimidating, but remember, it's all about taking small, achievable steps. The aim isn't about being the fittest or fastest; it's about enhancing your mental health and overall well-being.
By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire you to explore how physical activity could play a role in managing schizophrenia. But, as always, please consult your healthcare provider before starting a new fitness regimen.
Stay resilient, keep moving, and always remember - you are not alone in this journey!
Until next time,
Stephen
#schizophrenia #anxiety #mentalhealth #depression

[@timothywilliams2887]

Thank you for the exercise motivation.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Timothy! You are very welcome!

[@janeliu5237]

Thanks Stephen for sharing! I can see that you are getting better and better!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thanks so much Jane!

[@jamesbonnett1347]

My partner is 28 and has schizophrenia. He was hospitalised for psychosis a few years ago. He's struggling with his weight. He's on paliperidone. Your channel is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story. 🖖🙏✌️

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you James!

[@lisacastellanos4553]

Exercise is medicine! Love the walk n talk format because it makes me want to get outside, too! Wonderful video!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Lisa! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@dmtdreamz7706]

It puts you into a state where nothing matters in a good way. You truly don't give a shit about anything and you're just happy as fuck as a result, because nothing matters. Nothing matters, nothing means anything, there's nothing to do, there's no point, there's no goal but there's also no boredom, there's no negative meanings attached to the meaninglessness, it's just perfectly meaningless and it's awesome. You're basically just like sitting like a cat on a windowsill enjoying whatever experience is before it, just being and it feels amazing. 🦄

[@kinzhe83]

Hey Stephen, beautiful video :) First of all, please do show us Toni, I have 2 cats at the moment, and I know how useful having a pet is, they are amazing friends. My psychiatrist even suggested to my mom to get us a dog, then I would have to do at least some exercise (walking the dog) every day. My parents aren't too keen unfortunately, citing my "laziness" as a problem, and I can't say I blame them there :( Also, as far as the exercise goes, I read somewhere that walking for like 20 to 30 minutes has better effect on mood than any anti-depressant med. I'm really glad you're so active now Stephen, and I wish I get there too. Thanks for your video and, again, wishing us all a good health and peace of mind :)

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Ingvar83! I wish you good health and peace of mind as well! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@JIMKATSANIDIS]

Great and motivational video! Running, swimming, walking all help. It's important that you find the form of physical activity best suited for you and it's enjoyable and not exhausting. Exercizing can improve your sleep, your memory and help you staying slim. Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body as they say! Stay strong Stephen and thanks for sharing!🌷

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Jim for your motivational comment! It really means a lot to me!

[@barneyronnie]

I am so happy for you!! You deserve health, happiness and love. I became a marathon runner as part of my therapy, and I can honestly say that it restored a lot of my confidence and wellbeing 😂

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Barney! That is amazing! I’m so happy for you as well!

[@pauldemic2747]

Great video Stephen. Your insights are so valuable. You really have true grit!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thanks Paul! I appreciate it! Every one of your comments has helped me! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@blackdogracing]

Good to see that exercise is working for you. It causes the body to produce a lot of good chemicals for the brain, i.e. endorphins. Being tired for the right reason works wonders for sleep and sleep quality. Even at 70 for me having a good routine helps with motivation, health and sleep. Sleeping too much, napping, doing nothing, watching daytime TV will destroy the brain in short order. On a different vein, I recently watched a TED talk on estrogen and schizophrenia and it looks it might have something to do with it. Estrogen controls a lot of higher level brain signaling in both males and females at a much greater level than previously known. (Males convert testosterone to estrogen) Other clues include about 30% or more schizophrenics experience severe headache issues, while it is known for females that fluctuations in estrogen levels causes severe headaches. A long way from proof but it could part of the causality.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Kimsey for sharing your amazing comment!

[@jeancardoza4442]

What a journey you are on. I'm so happy for you! You are genuinely a wonderful young man. Wishing you the best with your "go live" project--looking forward to it. I've suffered from depression before and understand the connection of exercise on improved mood, energy and outlook. Being in nature--we are part of nature--it makes us feel good and alive. Thank you, Stephen❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much Jean! I’m very much so looking forward to going live hopefully in the coming weeks! Thanks for your support! It means a lot to me!

[@SueB42]

Good video today!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Sue B!

[@denisekarding1844]

Yes i would love to see and hear about Tony😊. What a difference exercise makes in mental health and yes pets help too.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Denise!

[@naturallivingwoman]

Keep it, up, you're doing awesome!! Really appreciate your time, honesty, and dedication. I have been diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder and am ready to embrace it. I fell ill around the same time, and yeah, exercise & fresh air helps with brain fog and those ANTS 🐜 😊

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so very much!

[@chrissy24-7]

I actually have used you tube videos of the California coastline when I'm indoors using my exercise bike in the winter! It's really fun. It's great to see you doing well and enjoying the outdoors. Keep up the great work, Down Stephen!

[@kamc6733]

HI Stephen! We saw the little lizard, too. 😊 Looking forward to your Live Videos!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thanks very much Ka Mc! I should be going live soon!

[@amybridges349]

Your example is powerful! Thank you for this inspiring video and your inspiring channel. Amazing! 🌟

[@victor9501]

Yes, I'd love to see your turtle video!

[@AgataMilewska-g8k]

I really appreciate your program❣️ I’ be been watching and admiring your struggle towards normality. Also your father, that he has not lost his spirit and hope for your recovery. And has been showing his love everyday. I share your sadness for the lost years and not participating in normal life for so long. Remember, only the days we don't know are important. Now you are finding your way and inspiring others. Keep going. Good luck to you❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much Agata! I really appreciate your support. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!

[@kimberlyfreeman6298]

Thankyou!!! I just love to listen to all your story's. My granddaughter is 15 and was recently diagnosed. Your are a bright light, I appreciate you ❤

[@provostg]

Imma have to call you out here Stephen @4:42 Summers on the way Swimming is beckoning 😉 Yet, I know how difficult it is as I'm very active yet swimming tires me out quickly. Either way, Amazing Progress! Looking forward to the live and Toni. Also, cool Lizard!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much Provostg! I may do just that this summer!

[@carja09]

yes, let's meet Toni finally! Pets are great and so supportive and loving, I even became a pet sitter part time and find it very rewarding! :)

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Carolyn! I am excited to have you meet Toni.

[@dinoLomedico]

Some run marathons, some climb Everest, some throw a 100 mph fastball, but you , my friend, are dealing with this issue in an outstanding way, and , may the Lord give you special blessing as you continue to meet this illness courageously . Not many can understand just how herondous this is at times . In the good times always remember to let your Dad know , he cares for you beyond words , as I have seen him on your videos . The medications are better than they ever have been, thank God, and, who knows but that they may even be far better in the days ahead . May you savor Steve the good moments that come in the fullest way, when it gets tough, that will ease up even if it feels it won't at times . You were and I am sure still , an excellent swimmer, yet now, are able to swim UP STREAM and have demonstrated that . Bye for now

[@Rebecca-oz9fu]

Thank you also for that beautiful view! That is stunning.

[@Avery-e2b]

Hey Stephen. I just stumbled across your video and listening to you validated all that I have been doing that has worked for me as well for anxiety and depression and continues working extremely well. Pleasantly surprised I walk and hike along the same spots and trails along the PV Drive bluffs weekly sometimes daily to eliminate stress and frequent the trails around Pt Vicente lighthouse, Lunada Bay, Terranea,, Portuguese Bend, Trump Golf course for my walks. Probably might have crossed paths. Hope to run into you one day and compare notes and talk about it. I share and relate to everything you talk about, and hearing from someone else going through the same really helped cheers me up and not alone. Keep up the good work and let your dad know he is an incredible father. Would love to meet up with you if you ever wanted to share and compare notes on things that worked for me. Stumbling on your video was God sent. Hope you let having a great day!

[@Rebecca-oz9fu]

So proud of you and your commitment to your own health! You are an inspiration to me, as well as an educator. I hope you have a great day!

[@ColleenC-n5v]

You are terrific…..and I’m sure your turtle would agree…..hope to meet him soon…..blessings

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thanks Colleen! I really appreciate your kind words!

[@heartquaked]

I could listen to you talk all day! Have you ever considered starting a podcast? (About anything) Thank you for sharing. I also enjoyed reading the description on the video. What a beautiful place you live in!

[@meatteater]

❤

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you very much!

[@stevenfenton3227]

Good on you Steve you seem so relaxed cheers from Steve in Australia

[@Linda-i1k7n]

Thank you for being so brave!

[@kathaleenmason4518]

Good, I'm so proud you!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you so much Kathaleen! I really appreciate it!

[@oksanakulkovets5692]

Exercising is really very helpful.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Yes I completely agree!

[@yasmeen66]

Yes please we’d love to see Toni 🐢🌻

[@ronaldsmith531]

My fellow chess players all exercise regularly. It’s a known fact that exercise increases brain power.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Ronald! Very true! Thanks for your support on my channel!

[@jesuspp5157]

Your[re getting well but I worry if you have a "relapse" will you be able to recognize it? and go on with recovery. God Bless you and your dad.

[@pauldemic2747]

PS. Definitely show us your turtle!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you Paul, I will!

[@barneyronnie]

I'd love to see Toni😅

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thanks Barney! I will show her in a video soon!

[@SueB42]

Sure, I would love to see your turtle!

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Awesome! Can’t wait to show you her!

[@ronaldsmith531]

PS. Make sure you rotate your sneakers.

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Will do Ronald!

[@jamespassas9441]

Have you thought about doing some running as well as walking? It's a great exercise, and helps to keep your blood pressure under control..

[@SurvivingSchizophrenia]

Thank you! That’s a great idea

[@jamespassas9441]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia I try to do about 5km a day, but recently I've been a bit lazy. Unfortunately, I've gained a bit of weight..

[@jamespassas9441]

@@SurvivingSchizophrenia You have the perfect climate & from what I can see, endless paths you could run on!

[@ChristopherAllenbirch]

How much clozapine you on and what other do you take Stephen

[@DoubleTroubles729]

Bravo Stephen….. you are such an inspiration bro, your ‘story’ and ‘journey’ is fascinating, I can’t think of anyone better to educate others… those who are either living with schizophrenia and those who don’t……..Keep on going Stephen, looking forward to binge watching your videos and to your next upload

[@lindaoramey9609]

umighta.been.low.on.vit.d...haveit.checked