healthy living

Feeling bad? Get moving!

Skimble Workout Trainer: Global Trainers DancingThis weekend, I didn’t really feel like doing much. I’d had a long week at work, BD and LD kept me up a couple nights in a row with tummy problems (they’re better now, thankfully!), and I just felt overall blah.

Even though it was a gorgeous weekend, I kinda just wanted to lay around on the couch and veg out. (Which is not normally like me at all).

Lucky for me, I couldn’t do this because I already had a bunch of things planned for the weekend that forced me to get my butt moving: helping my mom out with her garden, helping The Hubby take care of some much-needed yard work, and going to an early morning Zumba class with a friend. (BTW, it wasn’t as scary as I thought! Everyone was about as bad as I am, and the instructor was still as encouraging as my favorite PS3 Zumba woman.)

By the end of what I thought would be an exhausting weekend, I actually felt a ton better…more energized, more positive, more like, well, me. I shouldn’t have been surprised. Every time I feel like the last thing I want to do is physical activity, it actually winds up being exactly what I needed to make me feel better.

If I’m stressed about a big work project? Exercise helps me get my nerves out.

If I’m feeling kinda low and mopey? Getting out in nature (especially with the pups) and doing something active never fails to cheer me up.

If I feel sleepy or blurry or otherwise blah? Moving around perks me up just as well as a cup of coffee. (Without the potential crash.)

That doesn’t mean I still don’t sometimes get that “I don’t wanna do it and you can’t make me!” thing going on when I’m trying to convince myself that moving around will actually be a good thing. But every time I do convince myself and do it anyway, I’m always glad I did.

Have you ever felt this way about exercise? How does it help you with your mood, energy levels, etc.?

 

~Heart,

Em

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photo credit:  Maria Ly

4 Comments

  • I’m not one to lay around much, but I actually find when I’m overloaded sometimes I really do need to have a quiet day and give myself permission not to do all the things I think I “should” do.

    Other times activity and exercise help me to feel energized and refreshed- it all depends on what I need mentally, emotionally, and physically. If I am attuned to myself I can usually tell what I need in that moment.

    I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better by the end of your weekend! Now you’re ready to rock this week- YEAH!

    Have a grateful day!

    Chrysta

    • That’s so important, being in tune with yourself and knowing what you really did. I actually spent the first half of my 4th today taking a nice, long nap. I could just tell that my body was over-tired and that it needed some time to recuperate and heal. It all depends on knowing yourself and being aware of your body’s signals.

  • exercise is definitely a stress relieve and will improve your mood. it releases so many endorphin’s and different chemicals that you can’t help but feel good, albeit tired in my case lol. Getting out in nature is a great way to get some exercise, get some sun, and feel great!

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