Movement Lifts your Mood

The day light is improving and summer is coming which means that for many of us we have more opportunities to get out and about plus when it is a bit warmer it is much easier to get going. While many of us are still working from home which has great benefits in terms of flexible work and home life, it still can mean that many f us are sedentary for most of the day and working longer hours than usual.

So, WHAT TO DO?

One of the best mood lifters is movement, exercise in what ever form you like, walking, running, the gym, home zoom classes, even high energy home cleaning will get you moving , get the blood flowing, help burn cortisol our stress hormone we don’t want too much of. When we engage in exercise particularly high intensity exercise our body produces hormones and neurotransmitters which have a positive impact on mood, energy levels and our sense of well-being thanks to the feel good endorphins it gets going in the body - all this lifts mood.

Micro Breaks

Little breaks for movement are fantastic to incorporate into our working day. If you have 10 mins between meetings, get up and move around, up and down the stairs a few times - take the hoover out while you are at it. Do our top down desk stretch routine to move everyhing and get the blood flowing.

Getting started again

Our bodies are wired for movement and we just feel sluggish if we have let too long go between getting up and moving, whether you are a regular exerciser or new to getting moving, know that there is never a workout I regret -even if I have had to drag myself out of bed I always feel better afterwards. If it is a while since you have done regular exercise start with a walk -15 mins will give you a great start to the day and take my advice and go and just enjoy your surroundings rather than taking the phone with you.

The right balance is key - not punishing your body daily with workouts but a blend of strength training, cardio conditioning and mobility work will see you right through the week.

So get moving, it will help lift your mood. And , please remember if you think you are depressed, you should see your GP for help.

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