The Library

From the GYE Handbook

Tool #6: Alternate Fulfillment:

It is very important, at all levels of the struggle/addiction, to engage in exercise and physical activities on a regular basis, at least a few times a week. Besides for boosting self-esteem, exercise releases tensions, stress and toxins from our system. Experience has shown that a consistent exercise regimen can be very helpful in combating addictive behaviors.

In Tool #16: Medication, we added the following:

As a side note of interest, one good therapist said that he never puts a client on medication for depression before having them try a rigorous regimen of exercise for about three months. In most cases, the depression disappears as a result of the physical activity.

On a similar note, someone wrote on the forum as follows:

I was able to do a little exercise twice yesterday. I just closed my eyes and imagined myself letting go of all my fears and resentments and worries and frustrations and I imagined myself falling back into Hashem's arms Who was there to catch me. It made me feel very safe and secure and connected to him and I was then able to speak to Hashem in a much more real way.

I'm going to try and do that everyday...