Exercise yourself into a better mood!

Life does not always go to plan, sometimes we can dig ourselves into a stress & depression fuelled rut. Endorphins, (hormones that increase your sense of well being), are released when we exercise & are your ticket to happiness & a more positive outlook!

Here are some suggestions to help increase endorphin levels:

• Go for a walk. Find hills and walk up with vigorous arm action.
• Try endurance based cardio sessions concentrating on the upper body like rowing, boxing or cross trainer. Try interval training – vary High & Low intensities.
• Exercise with a friend or try PT to remain committed to increasing your endorphin levels.

Additional Tips:

• Plan something to do that you can look forward to like a weekend away, dinner out, movies, time on the beach.
• Talk with friends, work colleagues, family or partner about your issues.
• Challenge your beliefs about your circumstances. Could the situation be viewed differently? Be positive!
• Spend some time in the great outdoors!

By improving sleep patterns, appetite and mood control, endorphins can help you to deal with your situation and you will not only start to feel better, you could look better as well!

Sue Wells | Master Personal Trainer | 5 Jun 2009