The power of exercise

This time of the year, with the holiday season getting underway, the days and weeks go by so quickly, and stress levels can easily increase.  One of the things you can try to include, to help you reduce the negative side effects of increased stress, is some sort of physical activity.

Here's what I found on the site mens-total-fitness.com about exercise, in an article entitled, "The Three 'E's': Exercise, Endorphins, and Euphoria":

"...how does exercise actually improve your mood and make you feel better? The answer comes from endorphins.  We define endorphins as powerful hormone-like substances produced in the brain that function as the body’s own natural painkillers.  During exercise, there is a release of endorphins in the body that are capable of producing feelings of euphoria and a general state of well being. The feelings produced can be so powerful that they can actually mask pain.

It is this relationship between exercise and the release of endorphins that may be responsible for the so-called, "runner's high," that many fitness enthusiasts experience. The good news is, you don't have to run a marathon, or run at all for that matter, to enjoy the feelings of euphoria and general well being. All it takes is moderate amounts of exercise to experience the effects. If you are new to exercise, you may actually experience a particularly strong effect as endorphins are released in the body."

So, if you haven't done so already, try increasing your physical activity level whenever you can.  It doesn't mean you have to sign up for a membership at a local gym...You can take up walking, or clean the junk off of your treadmill or elliptical at home and get moving a little bit.  If you like to watch TV, exercising during your favorite TV show is a great way to get some activity in and still enjoy the experience.

You may find that you get a bit addicted to exercise, or at least feel guilty if you start to slack off.

Happy holidays everyone...Have a great holiday season, and take time to enjoy being with those close to you amidst the hustle and bustle!

Best wishes,

Victor