Have you ever noticed how when you sit around for long periods of time you become moodier (at least I do) and then when you get up and do something physical you seem to feel better? Now a new British health survey of 20,000 people reveals that any kind of physical activity can actually lift your spirits. Researchers also noted how little physical activity it actually took to make a difference-just one to three 20 minute sessions a week reduced the chances of suffering from distress such as depression. The biggest impact came from doing anything-apparently even sweeping, mopping, etc for at least 20 minutes every day. “Daily activity knocked down the distress score by more than half”, says Mark Hamer, Ph.D., of University College London.
It is nice to know that you don’t have to do aerobics for an hour a day or run a marathon to get the mood lifting benefits (because with me that is not going to happen right now) .
Between my children, work and the animals I feel like I never really sit still so maybe this is why I am a generally happy person. So, go out and take a nice walk, or mop those floors-you will feel better!
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I get a little lazy in winter since generally the swimsuit is many months away however this year I am determined to not let the holidays an...
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I don't see a marathon in my future. I'll have to come up with something else!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I like the new profile pic!
Health Nut:
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. I remember my old Psychology class in college. The professor said that it's impossible to be depressed and excited at the same time. It was called excitation therapy. Whenever I'm a bit down, I get out and do something physical.
Happy trails.
This is so very true! I do know that my mood is generally better when I'm moving about than when sitting down for long periods of time. Oh, no marathon for me - I think marathon is excessive and may not even be healthy!
ReplyDeleteYes...now that you mention it! Hmmm, must ponder, Thanks for this! :)
ReplyDeleteMost people find the fact it doesn't take much physical activity to keep us healthy mentally, amazing. We weren't meant to be inactive...
ReplyDeleteCheers
I totally agree with you Heidi. I find that exercise is best at boosting your mood after an intense run. During the hours following the run I feel so calm and relaxed.
ReplyDeleteYer preachin' to the choir, here! ;)
ReplyDeleteMost days of the week (at least five) I jog/walk an hour in the morning and do a step aerobic class in the evening. If I don't get that activity in, I am so stressed out. I hurt something in my ankle, and I've been trying to rest it, but I just get too anxious without my exercise; so I wrap it and plug away.
ReplyDeleteLove your new pictures, honey! Just gorgeous!
Your are right. The more idle I am, restless will follow. I just eat and eat :)
ReplyDeleteFruity
nice to know, but i believe you're so correct. like you, i am generally a happy person, maybe because i am always up and moving except when i blog :) and watch movies :) but i really do love taking a walk or a hike or garden
ReplyDeleteps...
ReplyDeletesorry, forgot to add in my comment earlier, i like your profile pic, inspiring all of us to get fit:)
Hi Heidi,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with your post. I tend to feel better when I am up moving around, even just to take a small walk with my kids. I don't think the mop will make me feel better though. (ha, ha) I like your new picture too, you look so happy and healthy. Have a wonderful day! :-)
You're so right Heidi! My husband always drags me outside to play some speed badminton when I seem a bit moody. Breathing in all that fresh air helps too.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, this is so very true! Isn't it amazing when we just move our bodies how wonderful it can make us feel?
ReplyDeleteI don't do aerobics, but I do partake in other physical activities and I LOVE to swim. Oh, and we recently bought a Wii - wow, who would have ever thought you could get physical with a 'video' game!
Heidi you look amazing in your new profile photo! I've noticed a completely different mindset taking hold when I invest a little sweat equity in myself, so your post makes total sense to me and inspires me to get back to that investment strategy!
ReplyDeleteyou are correct there health guru! ^^
ReplyDeleteThat is because the rest of the energy, the potetial energy become kinetic if we start moving... i actually run when i am on my way to wait for public transport, that way, while i wai, i feel so hot.. just discovered thhis trick! ^^
I love the feeling I get right after I've taken a quick walk around the block with the dog, or just moving around the halls in between my classes. I feel full of energy and I'm less likely to grab that cup of coffee or chocolate for a pick me up.
ReplyDeletethis is good for me when i am not in the best mood always maybe because of my health which is sometimes so weak? i honestly lack of exercise..heheh
ReplyDeletehave a good day!:)
yeah i agree to this post too when im doin something physical i dont feel lazy
ReplyDeleteMy motivational mood boosting comes in the form of housecleaning with the stereo on. But I agree, physical activity does make you feel better, and of course look better too.
ReplyDeletehow true, how true. there's nothing worse for your self-esteem than sittin on your backside and doing nothing. and i love your point that it can be as simple as a house chore.
ReplyDeleteAh how true! I never feel like moving until I just kick my own butt and do it. Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteBy the way I had a coke today and it let to sickness. Never AGAIN!
I wasn't aware of this study, but it totally makes sense. I have definitely noticed that on mornings when I take my walk, I feel refreshed and start my day in better spirits. So true!
ReplyDelete