Have you ever been grouchy for no reason or woken up on the wrong side of the bed? Ever feel foggy-headed or short-tempered? Did you get enough sleep or were you tired all day?
Our moods affect those around us including family, friends and strangers. Being off can happen to all of us at one time or the other. But you don’t have to let a bad mood ruin your entire day. Physical activity is good for minimizing the frequency of these disempowering feelings.
Feel grouchy? Work out
A robust workout improves the mood. The increased circulation from exercise increases endorphins, the “happy” hormones. Research shows regular exercise of 30 to 60 minutes a day level out moods by keeping a fresh supply of endorphins coming our way. Go to the gym a grouch and come out smiling.
Perspiration helps detox our bodies and emotions. Go for it with gusto, as if each rep is a way to sling off what’s bothering you. Every movement increases blood flow, and circulation increases the detoxing.
Feel down? Take a walk
A walk in nature lets the cares of the world slip away as gentle breezes and the soft sounds of nature replace the hustle and bustle going on in the mind.
A calmer mind can let go of the insignificant bothers of life and figure out what is really going on. Taking a nature break can increase productivity instead of taking time away from a busy day.
Make time in nature more meaningful by enjoying it with a friend — even a four-legged friend. I don’t have a dog, so I feed the squirrels and birds.
Feel overwhelmed? Try yoga
Tasks and responsibilities can pile up. Once the list gets too long, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Repeated occurrences of feeling overwhelmed or behind on things to do might become a pattern.
Once this pattern starts, it is more difficult to break. Before taking extreme action, such as changing jobs, try a weekly yoga class.
Yoga, especially restorative and gentle flow yoga, refocuses the mind-to-body connection with a total distraction from the ongoing conversation in the mind. Usually an hour long, a yoga class provides stretching, balancing and strengthening exercise, plus a cleansing break for the thought process.
Feel lonely? Join a group
Find a group you are interested in. The YMCA offers a wide range of group exercise classes including Zumba, aerobics and water classes line dancing and Tai Chi. Bruton Memorial Library offers book clubs and special interest groups such as Florida history and gardening. Form a walking group in your neighborhood. If you don’t know your neighbors, introduce yourself and see who wants to join you. Once you get the word out, welcome new members to your group.
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.