Chase Away That Bad Mood With Exercise
By Sandy Schroeder
Let's face it. Most of us who have been cooped up in the pandemic run into up and down mood changes. Some days I am fine. Other days it is all that I can do to not snap at everyone. Then everybody treats me very carefully and even the dog goes into hiding! Fortunately I have found a way to level things out and enjoy life more with more activities and daily exercise.
Researchers Endorse Exercise to Ease Stress
According to the New York Times, a new study of exercise and mental health during the beginning of the nationwide lockdown suggested exercise eases stress. They found people who remained active during those early weeks at home were less depressed and mentally stronger than those who exercised less.
Additional studies also found more exercise linked to better moods. Overall, people who continued to work out at least 150 minutes a week were in better mental shape than those who did not. The ones who moved less were more likely to feel anxious, lonely or depressed.
See How It Works for You
If you feel better when you are moving more and plan to exercise more now, doctors suggest you start slowly as you ramp up your workout. Start at about 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before the pandemic. If you have not been exercising much for awhile you will have lost some muscle mass. Expect a few twinges and build up to your normal pace gradually.
Find the Best Routines for You
Staying active and exercising more can be whatever works for you.
Reorganize the family room - Bring in exercise mats, small weights, and a treadmill or stationary bike to compete with the couch. Then find some online exercise stretch or strengthen routines.
Rethink the patio or backyard - Jumping jacks or stretching exercises might work on the patio and soccer practice or shooting hoops in the backyard could activate your whole family.
Keep moving - In addition to 30-minute daily exercises, there are lots of other activities that could get you off the couch. Consider growing your own basil, dill, and fresh lettuce in a garden plot or redesign your interior with fresh paint and wallpaper. Rethink the garage as you try out some new hobbies.
Whatever you and your family do to stay more active will help you hang onto a good mood.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Upland, Calif.