Skip to content
  • Start Here
  • Courses
  • Quizzes
  • Contact
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Courses
  • custom-logo
  • Quizzes
  • Contact
  • About
Getting Out of a Mood Slump
Health & Wellness

Getting Out of a Mood Slump

February 11, 2016January 27, 2017 Editor Comments Off on Getting Out of a Mood Slump

moodWhen we reach a mood slump physical activity is the exact opposite to what you feel like doing, but getting out of a mood slump isn’t so hard. It’s true that in the first instance it’s like asking a person who is dog tired and about to get into bed that you’d like another day’s work out of them.

Low moods drain our physical and psychological resources to the point where it becomes increasingly harder to get motivated. Your brain chemistry isn’t helping matters and your sense of confidence and feelings of isolation are probably worsening by the day. The fastest way I know of to turn things around is via light exercise. Exercise rapidly improves mood through the release of endorphins.

Some people have compared light exercise with taking antidepressants and the results are interesting. For a start, mild levels of depression often don’t respond to antidepressant medication. On average, it takes four to six weeks for antidepressants to reach their therapeutic effect, whereas the effects of exercise begin almost immediately. Study after study shows that a regular program of mild-to-moderate exercise helps mood. Furthermore, there are no chemical side effects, and unless you choose to join a formal class or gym, it’s completely free and natural.

Exercise tends to fail because people throw themselves at it too hard.

I wonder how many items of exercise equipment are out there, slowing gathering dust through lack of use? I have a road bike that’s doing just that. Perhaps some well-intentioned burst of enthusiasm in the New Year rapidly becomes off-putting and aversive? Maybe that’s how you remember and think about exercise: a failed experiment. Maybe you don’t see yourself as that type of person and that’s why nobody will find any sports gear in your place. Well, I’d say it’s time to recast your thinking and come to terms with the idea of movement as a helpful, therapeutic activity and something that’s done on your terms rather than what others say is right or wrong, good or bad.

My road bike is gathering dust because it doesn’t really work for me. I can use it in good weather but even then I find the traffic oppressive and I wonder if the fumes I’m inhaling offset the benefits of exercise. I find walking is simpler, more enjoyable and something I can do everyday. Having a dog helps. My greyhound, Fynn, takes me out a couple of times a day, rain or shine. I guess the simple message is to find something that works for you and stick with it. The fact that you’re doing light exercise isn’t cheating and gardening, dancing, or walking are all forms of movement.

If you try, you’ll experience a gradual shift in mood. Take it easy, do it daily, and if you make it sociable, so much the better.

Fitnesslifestyle

Related Posts

How to choose a primary care doctor
How to choose a primary care doctor
3 natural ways to boost your energy
3 natural ways to boost your energy
Shades of self-awareness
Shades of self-awareness
Ways to Help Parents as They Get Older
Ways to Help Parents as They Get Older

Post navigation

Remembering The Best Times Reduces Stress
Why Gardening is Good For the Mind

Search the site

Categories

  • Body Positivity
  • Happiness
  • Health & Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Motivation
  • Relationships
  • Self-Confidence
  • Self-Improvement
  • Success

Our Courses

Understanding bipolar disorder
Making moments
Control: the art of self-discipline
How to eliminate self-doubt
Practicing patience
Building more positivity
21 steps to a whole new you
Success fundamentals
Emotional intelligence
Fears, worry and stress
Living life to the fullest
Couch potato to fit and healthy
Supercharge your brain

Quizzes

Are you a people pleaser?
Am I control freak?
Body Language quiz
Happiness quiz
Optimism quiz
Have you got a playful mindset?
How well do you handle stress?
Life balance
Test your positive thinking
Check your assertiveness
Self-Esteem Quiz
Test your mindset
Test your empathy
Find your animal personality
Am I depressed?
Am I confident?
Will my relationship last?
Are you body positive?
Are you too angry?

Free AudioBooks!

Disclaimer

This site is for your information and entertainment. It contains a variety of views, opinions, statements and comments. We do not vouch for the reliability or accuracy of such information. Where legal, medical or professional issues are concerned we strongly recommend you seek advice from appropriately qualified personnel.
  • Contact
  • Cookie Policy
  • Contributed Content
  • Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Quotes
  • Quizzes
© 2021 |