The Relationship Between Movement and Mood
Written by: Ed Sherako, CFW Health Fitness Specialist
Movement has the ability to impact mood. Fact. Sometimes a frustrated golfer may throw their club into a water hazard... in which they just hit the ball. This was not the plan when the golf bag was loaded into the car. The golfer’s mood “swung” in a particular direction sometime after teeing off. Therefore, one should be able discover movement modalities which improve their mood.
Studies have been done to investigate the role in which exercise can assist individuals with conditions such as chronic depression and anxiety. It is true that a good bout of exercise stimulates endorphins that can provide sensations of pleasure and well-being. People can read pages of analysis on the subject of exercise and how it aids individuals struggling with mental health. While not all studies are conclusive, experts agree that exercise and activities are not detrimental to improved mental health.
On a lighter note, what are the effects of movement for the average individual?
Positive mood alteration is just one of several benefits of exercise and movement-based activities. Think of it as a side effect.
- Healthy body = healthy mind
- Acquire a desired self-body image and level of fitness
- A sense of accomplishment
- Socialize via group participation
Perhaps overall mood improvement is a specific goal for some individuals. Mood alteration can certainly be a target within a fitness regimen.
- Make sure activities and workouts are enjoyable
- Choose your personal most effective modalities like hiking or Yoga
- Timing, find the particular day or time of day when the boost is needed most
- Cover all bases such as hydration, fueling and recovery
So, it may be a lack of movement that negatively affects our mood or the mood that deters us from consistent activity. Either way, taking initiative to increase the amount of movement in our lives has so many benefits that bad moods won’t know what hit them!