I'm not the person you responded to, but I'll throw my hat in with them and say that running helps my mental health too! I've had a terrible history with exercising consistently, but I've been running at least a couple times a week for over a year now and the thing that helped a lot was getting away from "my goal is to run X number of days" and focus on rather "my goal is to make the idea of running less painful." I didn't want to get super active, I just wanted to lower the bar for action so that it was something I would continue to want to do. I never shame myself for not going, it's always an open choice for myself to help me feel better, and I let myself even just "go for 60 seconds" or "down the block and back."

And one thing that helps a lot is if you can figure out a time of day that works the best for you. I have a harder time going on weekends because I normally run during my lunch at work. On the days I don't run, I walk, because I sit a lot at work and it drives me mad to spend lunch sitting around too. Plus running is a lot more fun if it's literally taking you farther away from responsibilities, lol. Also, if you tend to do better forming habits with the buddy-system, don't be afraid to look into trying to use that as a motivator too! :D

I sometimes tell myself that I don't have to go very far, or maybe I just have to walk, but put on my shoes (and headphones and whatever else) and walk out the door. Once I'm out, I usually do want to go. Sometimes I can convince myself that future me will appreciate it if I go, which can be motivation, but that depends on the day. I also find that signing up for a race helps. If I don't train leading up to it, that day is going to suck much more, and I don't want that to happen!

I also have dogs and once they get a hint that I might go for one they are very persistent about making sure I take them. 😆

There was a line at the beginning of Bojack Horseman (season 2 I think) that I always think about: “It gets easier every day, the hard part is doing it every day.”

Try to find ways to work exercise into your routine. And more importantly, think about how to still do it when days are tough because you get busy.

Edit 1: I stopped taking meds when I was young back in the Ritalin days. I don’t think I ever quite fit in, but I’ve found that daily exercise helps me channel my little bit of attention enough to sit through meetings long enough to do the parts of my job I enjoy.

Edit 2: Also, Google “Pomodoro Method”. It’s pretty much the only thing I do with my smart watch, and it’s fantastic.

Sign up for a run with friends. Something easy like 10km.

Now you have to train because you'll be left behind if you don't!

It's working for me

I don't run. The activities ifo are cycling, hiking, and power walking around my area.

For me setting alarms on my phone helps immensely.

And no social media (yes video content counts) at all until after I get back.

It's not perfect if my boss wants to screw with my schedule again (too often) but it's better than having to remember myself.

I do those activities on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. I also make sure to go hard every time I do as the harder I go the easier it is to stay focused later. If I'm gasping for air regretting my life choices then the next day I'll wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed.