Exercise and It's Effects on Your Personal Happiness

"Some pursue happiness while others create it."

The 3^rd Monday of January is traditionally known as the saddest, most dismal and most depressing day of the year.  Who came up with this bleak description of a typical Monday and why is it getting so much attention?  Research tells us that this is the day when people finally break their New Year’s resolutions.  In addition, they realize the holidays are over and the bills are coming in.  To top it off, the weather is usually cold and gray and it has become the general consensus that there just isn’t much to look forward to.   

How should you react to this prediction of doom and gloom?  Don’t listen!  Don’t believe it!  Don’t embrace it!  As participants in the 2011 Moving Forward Mary-thon, we have the ability to make January 17^th the happiest day of the year – simply by exercising!  It’s true!  Exercise has a variety of benefits that directly affect OUR PERSONAL HAPPINESS!!!   

*Consider the following: 

1.  An immediate effect of exercise is that it produces a reaction in the brain called "the endorphin high".  This reaction causes us to feel good during and right after exercise!

2.  Regular exercise improves your mood, decreases anxiety, improves sleep, improves resilience in the face of stress and raises self-esteem.

3.  Exercise causes the blood and energy supply to the brain to improve, causing the production of proteins called “growth factors”.  Growth factors induce nerve cells to grow, branch and make connections with one another and, in some brain areas, give rise to new nerve cells.  Why is that important?  As we age or when we are burdened with stress, these important biological processes (essential to adaptation and learning) tend to slow down.  Exercise can speed the process back up again, causing a partial antidote to stress and aging!

4.  Exercise can be a good antidepressant too.  In some studies it has been found to be equal to drugs or psychotherapy.  

5.  The type of exercise doesn't seem to matter - aerobic exercise, strength training or a combination of both are equally effective!

In light of this exciting information, I truly believe that Monday, January 17, 2011 WILL be one of the happiest days of our year - especially because we're Mary-thoners!  

If you have already started your Mary-thon – congratulations – keep up the good work!   If you are beginning today – I applaud you!  If you haven’t started yet or if you’ve already quit – and have actually read this entire blog entry - you can begin or restart your Mary-thon today!  And lastly, if you’re feeling the temptation to quit your mary-thon– DON’T!!! 

As you exercise 30 minutes TODAY and continue for 5 days a week for the rest of your Mary-thon, I wish you many jubilant and happy, happy days!

“Keep moving forward”!

Mary

*Taken from a Newsweek article “Exercise is a State of Mind” by Michael Miller & Michael Craig Miller March 26, 2007