MEGAN BOWLING, M.A., LMFT #100409
  • Services
  • About
  • Schedule Online
  • Info
  • Contact
  • Supervision
  • Blog
  • Services
  • About
  • Schedule Online
  • Info
  • Contact
  • Supervision
  • Blog
Search
Picture

High On Life: How Exercise Can Improve Mood And Outlook

10/7/2019

4 Comments

 
Picture
Photo by Ashley Springall @ashweys
Ever finish a workout and get a burst of energy? Runners call this a “runners high” but you don’t have to be a runner to receive the benefits of exercise.

As you read this, you are most likely at “baseline.” Baseline is when an individual is cool, calm, and collected. While most of us stay at or around baseline the majority of the day, we all deviate from this area and experience highs and lows.

Exercise helps alleviate some of the excess adrenaline and hormones that lead to some of these fluctuations. Exercise increases a release of natural endorphins, producing the “high” that the runners describe.

How can this help your mental health? When the amygdala, in the core of our brain releases serotonin, it can help correct the brains biochemistry. When the amygdala is impaired, there is a decreased speed of regulating our emotions and responding to emotional stimuli. Simply, regular exercise can help create positive brain chemistry and regulate our mood.  

The pre-frontal cortex in our brain is positively affected by regular exercise.  Exercise boosts the ability to plan, memorize, problem solve, and judge. When we exercise regularly, we improve our pre-frontal cortex and it's ability to help us navigate. Exercise can be an added bonus to exam preparation or planning a presentation at work because it positively affects our reaction and memory. 


To kick your health up an extra notch, be mindful about time of day for exercise. Some people prefer working out first thing in the morning because they like the boost that it gives them before they start their day. Others prefer later in the day, when they can sweat out the stressors of the day. Either is fine! Just be mindful about exercising too late in the day, when an exercise boost can create issues with your sleep cycle.

Every step forward is a step to progress. You don’t need to run a marathon in order to feel the mental health benefits to exercise. Consistent low energy output works well. Start with a walk outside and see how you feel. Step by step, you will make progress. 

Stay well,
Megan Bowling, M.A., LMFT


*Consult with your doctor when creating and maintaining a workout regime.
4 Comments
Zachary Tomlinson link
2/9/2021 08:01:09 am

I find it amazing that trying out daily exercises can help in boosting your mood along with making you physically fit. My friend is very conscious of the weight he gained because of this lockdown. We should probably look for an open fitness center that offers a mill where he could exercise!

Reply
Megan Bowling, M.A., LMFT link
2/9/2021 02:58:02 pm

Zachary,
I absolutely agree that the impact can be huge! It's also important for us to love ourselves during the process so that we can maintain healthy body image. There are many online exercising options available right now due to COVID.

Happy Exercising!

Megan Bowling, M.A., LMFT




Disclaimer: please consult with your direct physician before starting a new workout routine.

Reply
Mia Evans link
1/27/2022 05:57:52 pm

It got me when you said that exercise would be able to help with having natural endorphins which can make you feel the "high" that runners describe. I guess I should start looking for physical activities that would be helpful for me and reduce my anxiety. It might actually be what I need since this feeling all started when it is recommended to stay at home due to the pandemic. Because of that, I have reduced physical activity, so I should look for bowling clubs or any interesting spots for me which I would love doing.

Reply
Poly Dating in British Columbia link
1/12/2023 11:18:21 am

Very nicce blog you have here

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All
    Anxiety
    CBT
    Distortions
    How To Help
    Parents
    Physical Connection
    Psychiatry
    Psychology
    Psychosis
    Psychotherapy
    School System
    Self-esteem
    Setting Boundaries
    Somatic Symptoms
    Stigma
    Teletherapy
    Violence


    About The Author:  Megan Bowling, M.A., LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Orange, California.  She has been in the mental health field for more than eight years. Megan's specialties include: anxiety, trauma, life changes, mood, relationships, and school challenges.
    Megan Bowling LMFT is located in Orange CA 92868.  She specializes in individual and couples therapy.


    Archives

    August 2020
    April 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019


Megan Bowling, M.A., LMFT 
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | CA #100409
P: 714.519.6041  |  e:mbowlinglmft@gmail.com
22600 Savi Ranch Pky Ste A28 Yorba Linda, CA, 92887
  • Services
  • About
  • Schedule Online
  • Info
  • Contact
  • Supervision
  • Blog