Get Help for Schizoaffective Disorder: Running vs Walking
A couple of years ago, I went running every day for help for schizoaffective disorder. I let running fall by the wayside as winter approached even though running really made me happier, more energized, and less anxious. So why doesn’t this schizoaffective gal lace back up her running shoes, and what made her stop running to begin with if running was such a great help for schizoaffective disorder?
Running, for Me, Isn't the Best Help for Schizoaffective Disorder
Getting help for schizoaffective disorder by running worked, no doubt about that. But I can tell you why I stopped running: I just plain stopped liking it, especially as the weather became cold and snow covered the ground (When a Bipolar Coping Skill Stops Working). My mom runs every day; rain, sleet, snow, or shine. My mom is a superwoman. I am not my mom (or a superwoman). I tried to follow her lead and run every morning, no matter what, but it got to be a chore and painful in bad weather.
So, I took up walking. That is all very well and good until the temperature slides below 35 degrees outside. A quick run in low temperatures is tolerable but got harder and harder. Walking in that kind of weather is just plain miserable. I thought about walking in an indoor mall. That didn’t work out, mainly because I’m afraid to drive in the snow to our closest indoor mall. I’m getting better about that, though.
Now that it’s spring, I’m trying to walk outside more again. My husband, Tom, and I went for a short walk today—short because it was cold and windy. I was able to go for a long walk yesterday, though, and Tom and I went for a long walk two days ago.
Something about taking up running again makes me so stressed out. I currently don’t even own a decent pair of running shoes. But my psychiatrist says that walking is good exercise. So I’ll stick to the walking.
I’m not exercising to lose weight. I’m exercising because it’s good for my mental health. Have you ever heard of a runner’s high? There’s also a walker’s high that occurs after a long, strenuous walk.
Other benefits of walking over running:
- You don’t have to wear special shoes.
- You don’t have to wear special clothes.
- You can carry an umbrella if it’s raining.
- It’s not hard on your knees.
- You can wear an overcoat.
Of Course, This Schizoaffective Wouldn’t Mind Some Weight Loss
I have to admit that, even if I’m not walking to lose weight, some weight loss would be nice. I can almost fit into my size 10 pair of jeans and it would be so nice to be able to wear them. It would make me feel good about myself. But I’m hoping that walking in and of itself and knowing I’m being proactive about my mental health will make me feel good about myself, too.
APA Reference
Caudy, E.
(2018, April 12). Get Help for Schizoaffective Disorder: Running vs Walking, HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, August 31 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/creativeschizophrenia/2018/04/running-and-walking-both-help-with-schizoaffective-disorder
Author: Elizabeth Caudy
My boyfriend was diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder last year after being misdiagnosed with Bipolar disorder for years. I am so glad to have found your blog! My hope is that he finds some comfort and encouragement through your posts. Thank you for sharing!!
You keep going girl! I have schizoaffective disorder bipolar type...and I ride my exercise bike like there’s no tomorrow...I know that it helps a lot! You are here for a reason...to help others like us...lots of love....Linda
I haven’t met anyone with schizoaffective disorder. I have been reading your posts and I am glad to have else to discuss our lives. Even though I don’t wish this on my worst enemy!! I am married with 2 children and three grandkids. I like to make quilts and craft projects. I am really overweight and I would love to walk (can’t run). I am having surgery on my back in a month or so. They told me 18 months to heal! Yes I said 18!! Always enjoy your posts and with you and Tom a good week ?