Previous posts: What Makes Us Happy?
- Savor Everyday Moments
- Avoid Comparisons, Run your own Race
- Put Money Low on the List
- Have Meaningful Goals
- Take Initiative at Work
- Make Friends, Treasure Family
- Smile Even When You Don’t Feel Like It!
- Say Thank You Like You Mean It
9. Get Out and Exercise!
Research is showing that exercise may be just as effective as drugs in treating depression, plus it costs less and has no negative side effects! The trick is to make moving fun!! I know a lot of runners and I spent many years thinking I should be a runner because there seemed to be so many runners out there!
But, you know what, I hate running, I’ve always hated running and no matter how much I try to tell myself otherwise, I do not like running!! However, I do like hanging out with my friends, laughing and feeling strong and healthy.
What works for me is going to an exercise class with my friends, meeting them at the Y, going biking, or walking the dog. That may not work for you, but the trick is to experiment and try different things.
What works for others is no guarantee that it will work for you. My husband can’t understand why I don’t like biking 50 miles on his own like he does. He finds it meditative….I find it hot, boring and painful! Different strokes for different folks.
Give me my pilates class and elliptical trainer next to my buddy anyday. Here are some things to ask yourself when you are choosing an exercise:
- Do you like to be alone or with others?
- Do you prefer outdoors or indoors?
- Are you a self-motivator or need help from others?
- Do you like playing on teams or on your own?
- Do you need a goal of an event or encouragement from others?
- Do you have more energy in the AM or PM?
- Does you schedule allow a free hour or little bits of time through the day?
You don’t have to do it perfectly all at once….be willing to experiment and find some kind of movement that fits your life!
And, most importantly, have fun!
Next time: Number 10-Give It Away, Give It Away!
*10 Things Science Says Will Make You Happy by Jen Angel YES! Magazine Winter 2009
