How Exercise Makes you Happy!

No matter how bad of a day you are having, if you get a chance to exercise, it will, to some degree make you happy!

My, that was a bold statement I just made – but I have the research to back it up.
Then again, the proof is in the pudding. Look at the amazing smile that exercise is giving @ckgoodz. She just came back from a run, is glowing and loving every minute of it. But don’t take my word for it. Here’s Carly’s:

“Exercise makes me feel energized and strong. It’s something that I know will always bring up my mood. I exercise for myself, and the results are not only how I look on the outside but mainly how amazing it makes me feel on the inside. Using my own strength and power to move my body is something I’m so grateful for and something I truly love to do. “

And of course, there’s that famous line from the character Elle Woods from @legallyblonde.

The more you move your body, the better you will sleep, deal with stress, lower the risk of certain diseases, and even live longer. And you will feel happy! Who doesn’t want to feel happy and not want to kill their husbands? Or children?

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How does exercise make you happy?

When you exercise, your body releases a hormone called endorphins that react with chemicals in your brain that trigger a positive, happy feeling. How cool is that?

You don’t have to run 10K a day. Climb Mount Everest. Lift a 100-pound barbell over your shoulders.

Choose an activity that brings a smile to your face. Try this one. Or this one. Or maybe this one.

Start slow. But just start. You won’t be sorry because aside from the research that I stated above, the moment you begin to move and you allow your breath to be inhaled deeply and thoroughly, all the tension that you are carrying will be released. Although the problem won’t go away, your mood will be more stabilized, calm, and in a much better place than where you were before. I say this from experience.

But then there’s that dreadful thought.

“But I just don’t have the motivation!”

This is what I hear. All the time. And do you know what I say? “Some days, neither do I.”

I have to admit that I am one of those people who enjoys a vigorous workout, but there are some days – I swear it, there are days – that I don’t want to exercise. And then I remember this saying:

Talk is cheap and it’s very easy to say you just gotta exercise, so let’s break it down.

To exercise regularly, motivation does play a role, but it’s not the main one. The star of the show is the term “discipline”. To begin, and to keep going, like a routine.

I admit that getting started on your own can be difficult. However, the best way to begin is to make a commitment to yourself by simply marking your exercise time down in your calendar or smartphone like a dentist appointment. Show up at your “appointment time” and just do it. No excuses. You show up for the dentist, you should show up to exercise.

If you need others to get you moving – all the power to you! You can also choose online classes that you can do in the comfort of your own home. Fitness coaches can train you virtually. Ask a friend to go for a speed walk or to play a game of tennis.

Exercise: Pick your activity and get to it and you will feel amazing. You won’t regret it. Not one single minute!

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I’m so grateful to be able to have the opportunity to write about what I’m passionate about and what I think will serve others. If you would like me to write about you and your passions or for your own company, please be in touch.