Get Up to Get Over the Blahs

I’m no cardio freak.  But there is something about going for a run (especially when I’m experiencing a depressed mood) that lifts my spirits.  I’ve decided that it’s the deep breathing and focus that comes along with it.  It’s therapeutic.  Aside from it now being evidenced-based that exercise and physical activity reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, I’d noticed early in life that I just feel better when I get up and get going.

Life is a beautiful place to be, but sometimes circumstances can be overwhelming, responsibilities can be intense, and people can be demanding.  I won’t even get into the pressure we put on OURSELVES – that’s a whole other story.  Even the toughest of minds and strongest of spirits go through periods that involve:

• FATIGUE AND BLAHNESS
• LOSS OF MOTIVATION
• LACK OF CONFIDENCE
• DECREASED INTEREST
• JADEDNESS AND CYNICISM
• AIMLESSNESS
• [enter miscellaneous frustrating experience here]

It really is a challenge getting back on track once we find ourselves in that sort of space. But the show must go on, and find our way we must.  In my opinion, there is no better pick-me-up than to get more oxygen to the brain, get the blood flowing, get a boost of adrenaline and endorphins, and other fantastic features of getting a good workout on.  Yes, health and wellness, physical fitness, optimum body weight and all that.  But this is about feeling better.

Regardless of how much weight we lose (or don’t lose), or how many trophies we win (or not), it just feels good to get going.  Before we know it, we remember that we are blessed to be able to move our bodies.  And if there are parts of your body that don’t move so well, do what you can.  The goal is to overcome a momentary slump and working through inertia by working ourselves out.  It works our confidence out.  It works our go-get-it-ness out.  It works our mind, body and spirit out.

Dancing in the living room, going for a walk in the neighborhood, actually using that gym membership we pay for, running around with the kids, are all great ways to get ourselves into a better mood by getting up and going.