Elevate Your Mood With Exercise
By Emily Lindholm
If there is one thing we can all agree on, it's that we all want to feel good. Am I right? We make decisions every day on what makes us feel good. We have access to all kinds of wellness modalities and even substances, such as caffeine, that help with mood elevation. Exercise is a natural mood elevator, and often, it can be free!
How Exercise Elevates Your Mood
Here are some ways that exercise affects your body and positively affects your mood.
- Exercise releases endorphins, which help to lift the mood
- Exercise increases serotonin, which can help lift depression
- Exercise helps us sleep better and wake up feeling rested
- Exercise helps us focus, which can lead to better decisions and less stress
There are many different ways to incorporate exercise into your routine.
Walking and Hiking
Nothing is better than getting a free workout while enjoying the outdoors. Walking in the park or trekking a trail can be great for soaking up some Vitamin D and getting that aerobic workout while you breathe fresh air. Try walking in new places and see what you discover!
Cycling
Whether you are outdoors and riding a bicycle or indoors on an exercise bike, cycling burns a ton of calories. This is a great whole body workout with the benefits of aerobics. Check out your local trails or cycling classes at a gym near you.
Pilates
Pilates is a great exercise for anybody and at any age. Pilates is designed as a whole body workout that has very little impact on the joints. Think of it as a slow burn workout that will have you feeling balanced and strong afterward. Since it was birthed from physical therapy, it doesn't involve overwork. The instructor will lead you through each exercise enough so that it counts, then move you into other muscle groups. In Pilates, you can choose to take a mat class or work out on an apparatus.
Yoga
Yoga is not just exercise, but it is an ancient art form. It includes breathing and meditation, which helps to connect the body, mind, and spirit. There are different types of yoga. Yoga can be slow and more focused on meditation, so if you're looking to move your body and develop strength, stick to styles such as vinyasa, ashtanga, or any style of yoga flow. Hot yoga is particularly great for making sure you get in that good sweat. Try some different styles and see what works best for you!
Notice the way you feel when you've had your exercise versus when you haven't. I personally notice a huge difference. Exercise is what keeps our body functioning at its most optimal levels and increases our life performance. Discover what you like the most so that you can find a routine that feels sustainable. Consistency is key!
To learn more about health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Universal City, Tex.