Boost Your Mood the Healthy Way
September 14, 2016Managing Stress with Exercise
It’s hard growing up. Job dilemmas, negative or stressful family situations, money, etc. all bring stress to our lives. To some, it feels as if they can’t seem to come up for air. A beer or a glass of wine after a long day might be a person’s way to relax and “wind down” after a tough day. Or, maybe it’s listening to music. Everyone is entitled to spend their free time doing what they love, but what if I told you that being active can actually boost those feel-good endorphins and help you forget about your worries.
Physical activity helps bump up the production of your brain’s feel good neurotransmitters called endorphins, according to mayoclinic.com. As you push through a lifting session or a game of tennis, you will start to focus on the task at hand and not worry about the report you have due at work. I can definitely relate to this. I have found that I now crave my workouts first thing in the morning because it helps me stay motivated throughout the day. I have that “up and out” attitude and I am more likely to complete the tasks I have given myself that day. I also feel more alive (even if I only slept a few hours due to a certain 4 month old).
Exercise is a great way to relieve tension in your body due to stress. Physical activity help relax muscles, believe it or not. Exercise also promotes changes in the brain including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well being (www.helpguide.org).
If you are an exercise newbie, just 10 minutes a day of movement could help boost your mood. Exercise can help you cope with stress in a healthy way rather than looking to food or alcohol. Haven’t exercised in a very long time? Start with a brisk walk. If you aren’t new to the exercise world and are having trouble squeezing it in, try one of my previously posted workouts. Quick and effective!
