Exercise Will Get You Out of a Funk

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I always exercise with my over all health in mind but never think it'll help lift me out of a funk. I know that exercise is a stress reliever but it's not on my mind or the reason why I workout. I just think it's good for me. Earlier this week, I was feeling blah and I had a choice to make; sit idle, lay in bed, eat mindlessly or exercise.

I chose to get moving to help burn of what I was feeling. I laced up my running shoes and went for a four mile run. Emotionally, I felt fantastic at the end. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity increases endorphins in the brain and increases self confidence and lowers symptoms of mild depression. Endorphins are chemicals released in the brain and they help deal with pain or stress.

I can definitely say that my brains released endorphins to help get me out of my funk. I do a variety of exercises ranging from Zumba, indoor cycling, running, or use an exercise equipment such as an elliptical. I usually exercise for about an hour doing aerobic and strength training exercises. But physical activity for even 10 minutes will make a difference.

As a group fitness instructor, I encourage my students to exercise even when they don't feel like it. I'll share my experience of the benefit of physical activity reducing stress with them. Here's to your health and reducing stress.

CRAVINGS: Everyone Has Them

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I'm a strong believer in giving into your cravings. I usually have strong cravings for something sweet such as Cold Stone Creamery, delicious moist brownies, something spicy (Habanero spicy) or a nice juicy steak. Most of the time, I don't satisfy my cravings immediately. I wait it out hoping it goes away. Not. So, I'm a believer in giving into my cravings but I wait it out.

On the Fourth of July, I had cravings for brownies but there were none at the neighborhood gathering. The craving was so strong that, the burgers looked like brownies. Hilarious!

According to WebMd, nearly 100% of young women and nearly 70% of young men have food cravings. When we're stressed or anxious, the cravings are high. I've never thought of my cravings being related to my emotional state. I've associated them with my hormones. I found it interesting to read that we usually crave things that are fatty, sugary, or both. Well, if I look back at the foods I crave, they sure are high in fat and or  sugar.

WebMd recommends eating low calorie foods to satisfy the urges. For instance, a delicious low calorie brownie will be enough to curb the craving. As for me, I made the brownie's but I didn't select a low calorie recipe but next time, I'll consider that.

I'm a happy camper and I no longer have my brownie cravings. I'm glad I don't constantly have these urges. I'm also glad that I workout nearly everyday to help burn of the high fat and sugar calories. Almost every one has cravings and it's okay. Here's to your health and to our cravings.