How to Use Sports to Spark a Good Mood
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us know how much a brisk walk or quick run can do to lift our spirits after a long day, but sometimes we forget to make it happen. It may be time to break out some new activities if you are winding up on the couch after work night after night. Put down that bag of chips and start moving.
Movement and a Good Mood Work Together
Staying active may be a quick, effective way to turn your mood around and give your whole day a lift. According to WellAndGood.com., research says staying active has been proven to boost mental health.
Recently a researcher’s study found 90 minutes of exercise per week emerged as an effective way to prevent depression for group participants.
Another study, in The Lancet, of 1.2 million people found five prime types of workouts do a lot to keep us smiling.
Team sports top the list - Research showed team sports were the best option to bad mood days, cutting them by 22 percent. Think about the team sports you have enjoyed. Pick-up games of basketball or volleyball, soccer or flag football may be happening in your community. Check your local recreation center for current activities.
Cycling checks in at 21 percent - Trail bikes, biking with your family on the weekend, or spin classes at the gym are all good options. Biking instead of driving is a good daily choice. Use your bike to run errands in your neighborhood, and consider biking to work if it is feasible.
Aerobics score 20 percent - Lift your mood with a regular aerobics class at the gym or swim on the weekends. Some of the people that I worked with in a health research center attended aerobics classes every morning before work. They were the brightest, most upbeat people that I have ever known.
Running or jogging racks up 19 percent - Make room in your schedule for an early morning run or a late afternoon jog. If you are new to running, check with your doctor first for approval, and begin running gradually. Find a buddy to run with or run with your dog. Always carry ID and your cell, and let your friends and family know where you are running.
Recreational sports score 18 percent - Basketball or softball may work for you. Check your community center for all of the available sports.
Household tasks work too - Gardening, trimming the bushes, vacuuming or mopping all help lift the mood, too.
If you find these ways to stay active and lift your mood work, keep right on going. Keep physical activity in your daily schedule to energize your day as you let go of stress and anxiety.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Spring, Tex.