Hi guys, Kris from Custom Fitness here, your personal trainer in Amarillo. Do you find your self being overly critical of your body? Do you feel like you are always playing catch up? The world moves at a fast pace nowadays and that can often wreak havoc on someone’s mental state. Today I’m going to share some tips on how to use endorphins to become a happier you. If you have any questions about this article or would like to begin your journey to a happier you, give us a call: 806-322-3188; we’d love to set up a consultation.
We all want to feel great, although sometimes the thought of going to the gym to work out is too much to bear. Finding a form of exercise that we enjoy doing will benefit us because everything else in our life will start to fit into place. This is all thanks to how our body reacts to training and the benefits that building up a sweat can bring.
Endorphins
The most important of these elements is the release of endorphins. Endorphins are a naturally occurring chemical in your body that interacts with the opioid receptors in your brain. Endorphins have a tremendous impact on everything from mood to your perception of pain since they are molecularly similar to the morphine compound. Endorphins are also released during natural reward circuits like eating or participating in social situations. For example, people can become addicted to eating, because the endorphin release for them is so rewarding.
Other people can be motivated by something called a “runner’s high” — but really this applies to any type of physical exertion. When your body begins to release the endorphins during a run or other activity and you no longer notice the aches and twinges in your muscles, but rather are just enjoying the euphoria of working your body. Similar to the positive sensation many individuals find when being treated with the painkiller morphine, the end of a great workout is greeted with an overwhelming sense of happiness and pride, re-energizing your outlook on life.
Mood
Having this chemical release happen in your brain is a great way to feel encouraged the next time you think about working out.
Did you know, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 7/10 of all U.S. adults say they experience stress or anxiety on a daily basis in a moderate to severe amount. That statistic has grown almost doubled in the past decade. It seems our culture has now shifted to where we view being “busy” or “stressed” as a status symbol. The later you stay at the office, the more committed you are, and thereby a better person. Managing that amount of stress all day, everyday, can wreck our bodies: sleep deprevation, chest pain, irritability/anger, fatigue, etc. Why not fight back? Don’t become part of the growing statistic.
Studies have proven that endorphins when released help reduce stress and anxiety while also alleviating feelings of depression. Regular endorphin release lowers your risk for cardiovascular disease, pulmonary diseases, and more. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by something or fussy at someone, then went for a walk? The term “clearing your head” is literal. The emotions we experience when we are stressed get built up, and when we go perform an exercise routine and take deep breaths, our body literally clears out the chemicals causing symptoms of stress via endorphins. Imagine that, being a happier (healthier) person is only one workout/run/game away.
Sleeping
Many, many studies have been done regarding exercise and how it correlates to sleep. One study shows that adding a moderate amount of exercise into one’s day allows the mind to be less anxious and have an easier time falling asleep in patients with diagnosed insomnia. Another study showed that going on walks with geriatric patients twice a day allowed them to access REM sleep faster and longer than they had when they lived a sedentary lifestyle.
I’ve heard many client complaints during my career as a personal trainer in Amarillo regarding insomnia. Often these clients haven’t done something with their body that day to trigger the mind to feel “tired”. Anatomically our bodies were made to move all day; not sit at a desk in the same position for 8 plus hours. Our brains may tell our eyes we are tired, after we have stared at a computer screen all morning, but the body itself is still begging to work. Running around your building, walking the stairwell at your break, or even asking our trainers for a body weight routine you can perform at your desk, will help creating those endorphin releases. Keep at it and you’ll even avoid the afternoon slump feeling.
Doing something physically exerting (yes, you should be sweating) everyday will allow your brain and body to be tired at the end of the day. This will allow you to get good, uninterrupted sleep for those recommended 7-9 hours. Quality sleep will reap you huge benefits in terms of health because that is how your body recovers the body from exercise and renews the mind.
Passion
When any physical exertion occurs, you will release your endorphins to feel happier, become healthier, and sleep better; that, my friend, is an addicting feeling. You’ll soon discover it’s not about having to workout, it’s about wanting to, and the health benefits that come along with any form of training will help change your life for the better. On top of this, you’ll also strengthen your heart, feel more energetic, lower blood pressure, burn body fat and see an improvement in your muscle tone. All while doing something you love. There’s a form of exercise out there for everyone, too. Not everyone is into running, or playing sports, or going to a gym. Great! Try something out of the ordinary (tap class, anyone?) Finding your passion for fitness is the greatest motivator you could hope for.
So get in shape, enjoy doing it, feel great and rejoice that you’re able to do all of this at the same time. Your body, and your mind, will thank you for it. If you’re ready to take the first step, talk to one of our trainers about our many programs: nutrition, personal training, group fitness and more. We are ready to get you on your way to your goals. You can contact us at 806-322-3188 or info@customfitness.biz. We look forward to working with you. Have a great day.