Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Why exercise

Life is full of surprises, not all of them good.

When we feel down or depressed, we look for things that make us feel good. Often, we reach for the wrong things like -food, alcohol, sleep or drugs...most of which make us feel worse instead of better.

Instead try to soothe yourself with exercise.

Exercise helps increase your sense of mastery as often you don't feel in control of how you are feeling. It increases your energy. Increases your self esteem. Physical activity itself can take your mind off of your problems. Improves your health and body which can lift your mood... Exercise can also help get rid of that built up stress and frustration.

Start off with baby steps.. It may seem impossible to get moving when you feel depressed and you may wonder, why bother?

One reason is that you can get some immediate relief, even if you can only manage 10 or 15 minutes of exercise.  Exercise can improve your mood for up to 12 hours.  So what do you have to loose?

Mountains are created to be conquered

The experienced mountain climber is not intimidated by a mountain - he is inspired by it. The persistent winner is not discouraged by a problem - he is challenged by it. Mountains are created to be conquered; adversities are designed to be defeated; problems are sent to be solved. It is better to master one mountain than a thousand foothills.  ~ William A. Ward