#playsweatwin
Any time we try something new, change a routine, or set out on a new adventure, uncertainty creeps in, but let’s not be stopped in our tracks or prevented from experiencing the joy of a newfound activity- maybe even one that makes us sweat! Is it possible? Absolutely!
Instead of sticking to the same old exercise routine, getting bored, and ultimately giving up, the American Psychological Association suggests we get moving in order to feel better! “The link between exercise and mood is pretty strong,” says Michael Otto, PhD, a professor of psychology at Boston University. “Usually within five minutes after moderate exercise, you get a mood enhancement effect.”
Personally, when I need an attitude change or to jump-start a sluggish day, especially after being cooped in during the pandemic, I find there’s nothing more effective than moving out and about in nature or exerting myself physically in a different environment even for just a few minutes. The goal is to find workouts or a variety of activities that work for you and your lifestyle. Our bodies need to move in order to relieve stress so mixing it up from time to time helps leave boredom behind.
Regularly, either on a particularly stressful day or simply because I know a loaded day is ahead, I slip on my running shoes, leap out of my office, and hit the trails for a good 30-minute power walk. Without exception, within five minutes, I feel the stress drain out of my mind and chest, and my brain clears, allowing solutions to naturally drift into view. Seems so simple- yet we unnecessarily make it so hard to put into practice. Getting up and out does work and it’s worth a try if you haven’t done so already. Think of it like training a pet, when something feels good and we get positive rewards from practicing a new behavior, we go back for more!
Another routine I have when I’m on the road is making sure my swim bag and towel are always in my travel gear or in the back of my car. I’ve had a membership at my local YMCA with reciprocal privileges at other YMCA’s around the country-so I have lots of choices if I need to take some time to clear my head and re-energize. Additionally, when I travel, I make sure to pick hotels with swimming pools: I can always make time for a quick deep-end treading session or a few laps--plus it puts me right to sleep- an incredible added benefit of staying active while away from home.
The emphasis here is: that whatever you do to get yourself moving and give your body what it needs, you can’t go wrong! Try a few things that work for you and make you excited to move (don’t worry- the soreness subsides – just keep going)! And in order to maintain your newfound momentum and make it fun, include your family, friends, and co-workers. Why not try pole dancing (one of the hardest workouts I’ve done, talk about sweating---really fun but not as easy as you would think), dancing, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, yoga, whatever gets you into your happy place? Just do it as Nike has so rightfully coined. Whatever you do, go there, be your bad self, and shine.
Good luck!