EXERCISE TO BOOST YOUR MOOD: HOW TO GET UP AND GET MOVING

We all have days when we feel down or we just feel "blah". It can especially be hard to find the motivation to do the things that make us feel better – like exercising. But it’s important to remember that physical activity, even just a tiny dose, can be an effective way to boost your mood and your overall well-being.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of exercising when you’re feeling down and provide tips on how to get moving and stay moving. Read on to learn more!

Benefits of Exercise on Mood

Exercise is one of the best ways to combat depression and anxiety. It releases endorphins – which are chemicals in your brain that make you feel good – and can help you relax, boost your overall mood and cope with stress. Studies even show that exercise can help treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication, but without the yucky side-effects. 

You also don't have to be a fitness finantic to reap the benefits. Research indicates that just as little as 10 minutes of light to moderate exercise can help people feel better and almost immediately. This could be a brisk walk around the block, walking up and down the stairs multiple times, dancing in your living room or doing a MOVEHAPPY mini (workouts that are 25 minutes or less).

Regular exercise can also boost your energy levels, improve your sleep, enhance memory and can even help you to think more clearly. All of these things combined can help to make you feel better about yourself and your life.

How to Get Started

If you’re feeling down, the thought of starting an exercise program can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start small: Don’t expect or put pressure on yourself to do a full workout right away. Start with something small, like a 10-minute walk or a few minutes of stretching. This will help you get used to the idea of exercising and gently ease in.
• Make it fun: Exercise doesn’t have to be boring, hard or grueling. Find activities that you enjoy, like dancing, swimming, or...come try a MOVEHAPPY class! This will make it easier to stick with your routine and sustainable.
• Set achievable goals: Set small and realistic goals for yourself. This will help you stay motivated and give you a sense of accomplishment. 
• Find a friend or a like-minded community: Exercising with a friend or among a group can be a great way to stay motivated, to feel supported and find a sense of belonging. 

Tips for Sticking with an Exercise Routine

Once you’ve started to get in the "groove" with exercising, it’s important to stick with it. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:

• Plan ahead: It can be helpful to plan your workouts in advance. This will help you stay organized and ensure you're making time for it.
• Celebrate your wins: the simple act of celebrating your small successes boosts happiness and strengthens your self-efficacy, i.e., your "I can do it muscle". 
• Have self-compassion: self-compassion is the secret weapon to becoming more resilient. We give ourselves support and encouragement rather than being harsh and judgmental when challenges arise in our lives.
• Mix it up: Don’t be afraid to try new activities or switch up your routine. This will help you stay interested and engaged with your fitness routine.

How MOVEHAPPY Can Help

We meet you where you're at 🥰

A big barrier to exercise when we're feeling down, is the level of effort and intensity it takes to complete a workout. At MOVEHAPPY, we design our classes specifically in a way that allows you to move at your own pace, comfort level and intensity, making it simple to "ease in" right from the comfort and privacy of your home.

Whether you're in the mood for a calm and restorative yoga practice, or a mood-boosting fitness class, we have a little something for everyone no matter the mood or energy level. 

So please just come exactly as you are, let go of any expectations or judgements you might place on yourself and let's MOVE and be HAPPY!