Exercise Can Help Fight The Winter Blahs, More

As I am writing this article, it is 32 degrees outside, and the snow is falling with no end in sight.
A winter storm advisory had been issued for the next couple of days. Oh well, that is just great. Perhaps I can clean out my closets, paint the kitchen or even bake some casseroles while I am stuck in the house.
Pondering what to do, I notice that really I am not motivated to do any of the above. Realizing that I haven’t seen the sun shine for a couple of days, I conclude that I’m feeling a little bit down and unmotivated to do anything.
Quickly, I decide to exercise because it always perks me up. Notice I said “quickly,” not giving myself much time to think about it. I know that exercise gives me a feeling of accomplishment and motivation to get the lead out and get some stuff done around the house.
Is it just me or does exercise make me feel better mentally? Research does conclude that people who exercise regularly report improved mood, higher self-confidence, improved self-esteem, and less stress and depression then people who do not exercise.
Apparently, exercise has more than just physical benefits – it has psychological benefits as well. These psychological benefits received from regular participation in physical activity can supply the motivation necessary to stick to an exercise program.
At the risk of repeating myself for 10th time, let me tell you about one more great reason to exercise. During vigorous exercise, endorphins are released from the pituitary gland in the brain. Endorphins are defined as a group of hormones with tranquillizing and pain-killing capacities. They can create feelings of euphoria and natural well-being.
Okay, do you get where I am coming from? If you are feeling down and depressed, then maybe, just maybe, this might be something you will want to consider. A natural anti-depressant, wouldn’t that be nice?
Of course, this is not the answer for everyone, but it may just be interesting enough that you might want to talk to your physician about it.
Notice that I did say “vigorous exercise,” so that requires some explaining. I have friends who say, “Are you crazy? I just feel beat up and miserable after I exercise.”
For someone who has never exercised before or who is overweight, exercise may not be such a pleasurable experience at first. It may be difficult to exercise in public. They may feel self-conscious about their bodies, they may over-do it the first few times or they may just have negative feelings about exercise.
Far too often, they quit their exercise program before they ever feel the positive benefits. Instead of feeling less depressed, anxious and stressed out, they feel just the opposite.
So what is the answer? My fit prescription for this scenario is to begin your exercise routine slowly and progress over time. Remember what is “vigorous exercise” to you may or may not be vigorous to someone else. Over time, exercise will become a satisfying habit, and you will experience the new sense of well-being and power. Anxiety and depression are reduced.
So go after those endorphins, your body’s natural way to feel better. In these dark days of winter, add some sunshine to your life by sticking to an exercise plan. If you are currently exercising, keep it up. If not, there is never a better time to start than the present. Remember to consult your physician before beginning an exercise program.

LINDA STOLLINGS is a personal fitness trainer in Bristol, Tenn. E-mail her at info@fitprescriptions.com or visit www.fitprescriptions.com.