Does your happiness depend on your circumstances—or your attitude?
Exercise for every Mood
Lots of people skip working out when their mood isn't ideal because they don't have the mental energy to switch gears, but the trick lies in finding the right workout to match the mood you're in. For example, some workouts have a calming effect, while others are stimulating. Here's what I recommend to keep you exercising no matter what your state of mind:
When You're Angry - do something that involves your mind and keeps you from focusing on what has you angry. Play squash, or take an aerobics class you've never tried. Learning new moves will free your mind from what's been upsetting you.
If You've Got the Blues - If you're not up for the usual high-energy stuff, do some leisure activity you enjoy, such as digging in your garden or walking in a park. View it as mental recreation, not exercise.
If You're Feeling Bored - Being around people is a quick and easy way to beat boredom. Playing a sport with them is even better, try some tennis or golf. Get together with a group that walks or goes for bike rides on a regular basis. Being outside with other people is invigorating and engages your mind.
When You're Stressed Out - When your brain is overwhelmed and anxious, you need to turn to a mindless activity to settle it down. Something repetitive such as swimming or walking on a treadmill requires little mental input and is most effective at reducing feelings of stress and increasing calmness.
POSTED 08/03/2010
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| Change One Thing, Change Your Life: A Primer for Improving Your Mood |
Written by Ronald Abvajee
Posted 07/03/2010
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Mixing up your routine in these simple ways can do wonders for your brain, mood, and future.
Switch hands
Use your nondominant hand to do daily tasks like brushing your teeth or clicking the computer mouse. This simple change promotes the growth of neurons in the brain, which can sharpen memory and thinking.
“It’ll give your brain the regular workout it needs to stay healthy,” says life coach and Health columnist M. J. Ryan, author of AdaptAbility: How to Survive Change You Didn’t Ask For (in bookstores in May).
Engage your senses
Get dressed with your eyes closed. One night at dinner, communicate only nonverbally (that’s right, no words). By relying on different senses, you create more neurons in your brain and get more creative.
Try something fresh
It doesn’t have to be anything big—a free class at a dance center, a new recipe. You begin to think, I can do this! And that can lead to even greater accomplishments. When you learn a new skill, your brain actually builds new circuitry.
“Think of it as mental cross-training,” Ryan says.
Ask: What’s right about this?
“How you frame something can change everything,” Ryan says. Try to consider the sunny side of a situation rather than focusing on what’s wrong with it. So if it’s pouring rain, instead of stressing about getting drenched, think
of the good it will do for your garden.
The result: A more optimistic and inventive you who can take on just about anything.
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