Improves Mood
The holiday season can be difficult for a lot of people for numerous reasons, which may result in depressed moods and outlook. Exercise can be an ally in moving the mind to a better, more positive place. When you exercise, chemicals including endorphins are naturally released by your body. The endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. They also create a positive euphoric or happy feeling. As regular exercise becomes routine, your brain will associate the positive happy feeling with exercise, reinforcing the importance of exercise in feeling positive and good.
Lowers Anxiety
Reducing anxiety, like mood improvement is connected to the increased level of endorphins, stimulated by exercise. During your workout you are stepping away from the daily grind or problems that you may feel are overwhelming. Your focus is on the workout—once you’ve finished working out you have a fresh outlook, are less anxious, and have renewed energy to tackle the issues that weighed you down.
Regular Exercise and Stress
Consistent exercise reduces the negative effects of stress. Exercise can provide stress relief for your body This can lead to positive changes in your body’s —cardiovascular, digestive and immune systems—by helping protect your body from the harmful effects of stress.
It may also be meditation in motion. After a rapid walk, game of racquetball, or several laps in the pool, you may find that you’ve forgotten the day’s irritations and focused only on your body’s movements.
As you add exercise to your routine, you begin to regularly shed daily tensions; this can boost energy and optimism, helping you stay calm, clear and focused on other activities and tasks. Though 2020 has been filled with challenges, embracing exercise will aid in helping you manage stress, increase well-being and enjoy the blessings during the holiday season and beyond.