Want a great way to lift your mood and improve your emotions? EXERCISE! When you exercise, your body feels more relaxed, more at ease and calmer. Plus, after your workouts you experience a sense of euphoria and a higher level of energy. You will also likely sleep better after a good workout, feel more motivated the next day and find yourself in a happier mood.
I will be the first to admit, I have struggles in my mental fortitude and discipline from time to time. I have days when I don't feel like my typical self. There are days that just drag on and the simplest task is too much work. Sometimes, I am not sure how to check my bad state and carry on. But, there is something that never seems to fail me...my remedy to get me back to normal...my workouts.
The other day I was unusually tired. I was craving non-compliant foods and I wasn’t the most pleased with my physique and to boot I was putting off my routine 5K run. To add procrastination to the fire I started looking up inspirational quotes to post for my clients on Facebook. I soon came across the quote "you're only one workout away from a good mood." 'hmmmm' I thought to myself, 'this makes complete and total sense to me.' Then, of course, my deep thinking mind got to thinking how super charged with endorphins my body gets when I train and how great a mood I am in when I am done. So I quickly laced up my Newtons and headed outside.
Without adding scientific jargon to the mix, what are Endorphins? Endorphins are the little butterflies in your body that make you happy. Think of all of the things that make you happy: love, exercise, food, sex, roller coasters, receiving flowers, getting a raise, etc. all of those things making you happy are caused by endorphins released in your body. People often throw around terms like "endorphin rush" or "runner's high" to explain the mood lift that can occur during or after a workout. This sudden burst of euphoria, can produce mood benefits that last as long as 12 hours.
Personally, the most important use of endorphins in my body is for those days when I just don't want to go out on my run or when I don't want to hit the gym. But, those are the days that I really NEED TO PUSH IT, check my bad attitude at the door. I need to get out there and let the endorphins charge up and do their job....to make me happy.
The truth is, we all fall into a rut, and some days we just want to crawl into bed and sleep away the day BUT let the endorphins check your bad mood. The next time you're feeling blue, get up and get out there. Push yourself even when you don't want to. GO to the Gym, GO to Bootcamp, GO for a Run, GO for a walk with your dog etc. I guarantee you will come back feeling energized, excited, most likely smiling and ready to conquer the day.
Have a Happy and Healthy Day, Cheers :)