Exercise Your Emotions Away

Crying first thing in the morning is a sign that your day is possibly headed in the wrong direction.

I’ve had a really tough week at work and in my personal life, and it all just kind of hit me right when I woke up. Needless to say, I did not want to get out of bed or go to work this morning, let alone go for my usual 2 mile run.  But the longer I stayed wrapped up in my blankets, the more I knew I had to go for that run. Experience has shown me that I always feel better after a run, and I’ve read time and time again that exercise alleviates symptoms of depression. I knew that there was no way that going for a run would make my day worse and it was one thing I could do to make myself feel immediately better. So within 10 minutes, I forced myself out of bed, washed my face, brushed my teeth, got dressed, put on my running shoes and drove down to Manhattan Beach where I usually run by the ocean.

And, man, do I feel better!

I am neither sitting at my desk feeling sorry for myself nor emotionally eating everything in site, which is what I usually do. I’m calm. I’m resolved. I know life will feel easier soon.

Nothing about my situation changed except for my outlook. I feel “accomplished” for having gone on the run at all. I feel good knowing that I took care of my body. I got my adrenaline and endorphins pumping, and I’m proud of running 2 miles in about 17 minutes — a major feat for me! Mostly though, I feel stronger knowing that I have complete control over how I feel and what I do; All those external factors like work and relationships are out of my control and will prove their significance or insignificance in due time.

Moral of the story is, when you’re feeling down and out, EXERCISE, even for just 10 minutes. There are no negatives that can result from it.

 

The Dog Days of March

Dogs may be man’s bestfriend but right now, my parent’s dog is my biggest workout enemy. I’m pet-sitting while the ‘rents are out-of-town and the dog is seriously cramping my workout routine. I like to run 2-4 miles at the beach — the dog can’t because it’s too old for that duration and activity level. Instead, we’ve gone for 2-3 mile walks at the beach, which I know is decent exercise but I’m starting to get anxious about gaining weight. Walking doesn’t give me the same rush as running and doesn’t feel like an adequate workout. My clothes already feel tighter. It’s true, I could leave the dog at home and go back out for a run, but at same time, I know it’s a little obsessive — a 2-3 mile walk is perfectly good exercise.

I’m well aware of my negative body image. It’s a battle for many people who have experienced weight loss and shame for being overweight. I know that what I see in the mirror or when I compare my body to others it might not be accurate. It doesn’t change anything though. So all I can do right now is try my best to eat healthy and know that in just a few days, my normal workout regime can recommence.