Come on Daria, let’s MOVE. We’re going to give it to you straight. You want to feel better? You want to feel more motivated? MOVE.YOUR.BODY.
You can dance, run, walk, Zumba, do yard work, ride a bike or (insert movement here). Do something, just get up and move…ideally for 30 minutes.
Are we going to sit here and tell you, “All you have to do to feel better, happier, or more joyful, is move or exercise your body”? Yes and no. Yes, there is actual science that proves the power movement has over the chemical make up in our brain to improve mood and self esteem (see below). Should you become only focused on moving your body to feel better? No, we believe you should incorporate A COMBINATION OF THINGS that bring you joy and make you feel good (crafts, reading, meditation, fitness, social activities, movies, traveling, gardening, and so much more). She.is.beautiful’s approach to fitness is that YES, we believe in moving our bodies, we believe in sweating, we believe in working towards goals in different areas of our life. We also believe that relying on one thing to define your happiness or worth is unhealthy. We’re not going to call it balance we’re calling it living with a MIXTURE of things! What things bring you more feelings of joy, peace, love, new knowledge, and inspiration. Notice these and make space for them.
Also, for some people we know that there are many benefits to therapy and mental health support on top of fitness. DO you sis!
OK BACK TO THE BRAIN and why you should MOVE. ENDORPHINS ARE OUR FRIENDS SIS. It’s been proven that exercise eases anxiety, improves mood, and helps fight depression. Exercise promotes the release of Serotonin, which is a mood-lifting brain chemical. When you exercise your body releases a chemical called endorphins. What are endorphins? Medical News Today describes them as chemicals produced by the body to relieve stress and pain. They work similarly to a class of drugs called opioids. Endorphins change our perception of pain and trigger a positive feeling in your body which is why many people feel a euphoric feeling after this exercise. You guys, this is REAL SCIENCE.
When you move, here’s what goes down in your brain: neuron receptors bind to endorphins (the chemical that is released when you exercise). These are the same neuron receptors that bind to some pain medicines which is why some may say the post-exercise feeling is a similar feeling as having morphine in your body–except it’s not addictive and your body doesn’t become dependent on it.
WANT TO TAKE IT UP A NOTCH? MAKE IT SWEATY AND SOCIAL. Exercising with friends or community have been proven to help those with depression and also humans in general. Having emotional support and moving your body is a double whammy for feeling supported, encouraged, and overall happier. Find workout class, meet-up with friends to walk, hike or run, or join a fitness community.
Have you experienced positive changes in your life when you added more movement and social interaction?