We all know how it feels to open a bad-news-in-bold-letters email. Or that text or phone call that something unexpected has happened that’s out of our hands to remedy. But here we are, in our office chairs, or cars, or anywhere other than where we would like to be. Frustration begins to take over our bodies, a bubbling sense of agitation seeps into our thoughts, and bam – we are on our way to changing our mood from pleasant and content to irritated and anxious.
We may not be able to change the situation or the mind of the other person on the other end of the unpleasant communication, however, we can change our own. Just a ten-minute walk can change brain chemistry enough to bring mood back on track and out of the ravine of irritation, nervousness, and anxiousness. Exercise produces endorphins that act as a natural painkiller, improving the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress. Additionally, just five minutes of aerobic exercise can turn on the anti-anxiety switch and stimulate those endorphins enough to stabilize mood, and boost self-esteem.
So, this week, when the going gets tough, get up and go; for a walk, dance around your kitchen, chase your lover for a kiss — and in the process you’ll mind your mood and find yourself in a better groove.