Would you take twenty minutes a day to be happy?

When I was in high school, I wanted new bedroom wallpaper. I made what I considered to be a very mature case to my parents for why my wish should be granted.

My father said, "Okay, but you have to do something for me, twenty minutes a day, four days a week." But he wouldn't tell me what I'd have to do.

I was intrigued by the mystery, and also figured that I could stand anything for twenty minutes a day, four days a week.

His demand: that I go running during that time.

This was the greatest bargain I ever struck. I barely remember the wallpaper, but that deal turned me into a regular exerciser.

I've always been terrible at sports, so I thought I hated all forms of exercise. But I discovered that I like exercise, I just don't like losing at games.

And I discovered that the best part of exercise was the mood boost it gave me.

If you're skeptical about the connection between exercise and happiness, a fascinating Newsweek cover story about exercise and the brain includes the article, "Exercise is a state of mind," which lays out the evidence. (I tried to include the link but I'm using the Big Man's computer, and it mysteriously won't allow me to copy...argh.)

As the article points out, regular exercise "improves your mood, decreases anxiety, improves sleep, improves resilience in the face of stress and raises self-esteem." It also offsets the effects of aging. In fact, in some studies, the effect of exercise was equal to that of drugs or pyschotherapy.

A lot of people take up exercising when they want to lose weight, but I think that you're more likely to stay motivated to exercise if you focus on the mental benefits instead of the physical benefits. Although it's true that people who exercise regularly are better able to keep weight off, it's very easy to get discouraged if you don't lose weight easily -- which never happens, right?

It's better to focus on SANITY, not VANITY.

Just this morning, I was in an irritable mood, because the Little Girl was so fussy at breakfast. (She's already taking her nap, and it's only 10:30 a.m.) But I went to the gym after breakfast, and by the time I left, I felt great.

Comments

[Kristin]

Here's a link to the Newsweek article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17662247/site/newsweek/

Thanks for reminding me to get on the treadmill!

[Leah]

that's it! I am stalled out on homework, so I am going to the gym right now. Thanks for the motivation to stop surfing blogs and start doing something.

I had a similar experience with exercise, but the exercise was enforced by my high school. In order to graduate, I either had to do the full honors load (which included writing a 20 page thesis) or take a year of PE. I was so burned out from stress that I decided the PE was the lesser of two evils. Turns out that I, like you, enjoy exercise but not the competition of sports (losing is really not much fun). For that year, I ran every other day as part of my "sports conditioning" (weights & running) class. That class is definitely one of my best memories when I look back on high school.

[Jim]

Great post. Exercise is indeed a state of mind, which explains why it's SO hard to get back into if you let it lapse.

When I am running (for example) regularly, I can't imagine going a week without. But a simple derailment (such as injury or illness) can begin a spiral into sedentary hell. I have to remind myself that it's getting out there and doing it once or twice that's important. After that, momentum and addiction to the endorphin rush takes over.

[shuchetana]

I remember when I first started working out seriously: I would come home in an almost euphoric state.
You really need to exercise for the sake of exercise. If you focus on losing weight, you're more likely to skip a workout by promising yourself you'll just eat less.

[Nika]

Thanks to the spring I can start my bicycle rides again.It can quickly take me anywhere I like and though I'm exhausted afterwards, somehow half an hour later I burst with energy. It's strange that the more You give of Your energy, the more will come back.

[Gloria Hildebrandt]

I have a border collie who needs a daily strenuous walk in the countryside, and although I think I do it for her, a side benefit is how calm and relaxed it makes me feel. I return to work after lunch with my heart rate still up and I feel better for the fresh air.

[MichelleI]

I definitely agree! A couple of weeks ago I enrolled in a class at my local Y. When I did it, I didn't realize that it would be a catalyst for some incredible changes in my life. Now that I'm taking the time to "treat" myself to regular exercise, I'm feeling happier an less irritable. (Plus, my clothes fit better!) It also inspired an all-out life changing decision to stop drinking. Having a glass of wine is not a sin but needing that glass of wine (or 2) is not exactly healthy. Exercising helped me to see this. I have to be good to myself, take care of my health and everything else kinda falls into place. I no longer need a glass of wine to be happier. Exercising my mind and spirit is the key to my happiness!
Great blog.

[David Hollingworth]

This was a great posting, thank you. I have never been motivated to exercise to loose weight, which is probably why I'm 2 stone over weight; but I can get motivated to improve my state of mind for sure!

David

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