Hurts So Good

Love to workout, love life. Even if it’s not always that simple, exercise does indeed make everything better. You don't have to fake feeling awesome when you're not – just get moving! It can also be used as therapy to get rid of any anger, pain or frustration. This means that if you drop a tear in between some heavy sets of squat, it’s ok. It’s just part of the healing process. Just get in tune with your body, put some extra weight on and go hard! It will help you rebuild yourself inside and out. Hurts really darn good!!

Exercise And Mood

So how does it work? Exercise changes the actual chemistry of your brain and improves your hormonal environment. It's pretty much impossible to work out and feel miserable at the same time. As long as you give 100% and are not just going through the motions, you will feel happier and more relaxed when you’re done. Exercise leads to the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that alleviate pain, both physical and mental.

A great deal of the feel good factor is to do with endorphins - chemicals released by the pituitary gland in response to stress or pain. They interfere with the transmission of pain impulses to the brain. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins within approximately 30 minutes from the start of activity. These endorphins tend to minimize the discomfort of exercise and are even associated with a feeling of euphoria. You have probably heard the term “runner’s high”. It’s very much real, and the high from weight training may be even more powerful.

Exercise, Stress And Depression

It has been proven that physically active people recover from mild depression more quickly, and physical activity is strongly correlated with good mental health as people age. Depression is linked to low levels of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Exercise increases concentrations of these neurotransmitters by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.

At the same time it’s important to look after your parasympathetic nervous system, and mild physical activities like walking, targeted stretching, corrective exercise and yoga can help with this. As always, it’s about finding the right balance.

Even More Mental Benefits Of Exercise

While aerobic exercise has been shown to slow the loss of brain cells, anaerobic exercise like weight training or martial arts stimulate the creation of new brain cells in the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. You you’re not just happier, but you also become more clever.

Unfortunately lots of people resolve to alcohol, drugs, anti-depressants or reckless driving instead. Why take that route when not only it makes you feel like crap after the artificially acquired high fades, but also you are threatening your health, and may even risk losing your life?? There is a way that will never fail you – exercise yourself to happiness, set goals and get productive by taking consistent action. Life is what you make it.