I don’t know about you, but occasionally, I just find myself in a ‘mood’. I don’t know always know why, either. It could be contributed to by stress, boredom with my routine, feeling lonely, frustrated with something, a wee bit of sadness, feeling anxious, or just being plain tired out. Before I know what hit me, I find myself in a full-blown ‘funk’! While I’ve discovered that exercise soothes me when a bad mood arises, perhaps others may turn to unhealthy habits, such as emotional eating, or smoking. What about when YOU’RE upset, stressed or otherwise not feeling like yourself? Well, I’ll just bet that exercise, and the delightful mood enhancing endorphins it produces, can be the best thing for you.
The next time you feel that funky mood coming on, do your best to identify what you’re feeling, and why. Are you bored because your best friend is too busy to hang out? Are you feeling lonely because your significant other has to work longer hours lately? Or maybe you’re stressing out over finances. Whatever it is that’s making you blue, pinpoint it. Then, turn right around and use exercise to bust your bad mood!
Your Mood: Angry
Your blood is boiling! You want to take this anger out on someone before you explode!
Mood Busting Exercise: Take it out on “Fran”, why don’t you? (21-15-9, Thrusters & Pullups) A WOD like this one requires a lot of quick, powerful and explosive movements. What better fuel for that than your anger? Hit those thrusters hard, driving upward with your fury, and pull with all your fuming might in the pullups. I bet there will be a lot less ‘storm’ in your sails once you’re finished!
Your Mood: Bored
You’re stuck in a rut and want to do something interesting, but you’re not sure what.
Mood Busting Exercise: How about mixing it up with the “Filthy Fifty”? You’ll be so busy focusing on pounding out 50 box jumps, jumping pull-ups, KB swings, walking lunges, knees to elbows, push press, back extensions, wall ball shots, burpees, and double unders, you’ll forget all about being bored. Get that brain thinking about something else, and counting reps like crazy, and there’s no doubt your mind will feel refreshed!
Your Mood: Lonely
When you feel lonely, throwing a ‘pity party for one’ will only make it worse. Sometimes the best thing for you is to get out and socialize.
Mood Busting Exercise: What better way to socialize than during a Saturday morning Team WOD at the Zone? Sometimes we like to mix things up and get the Zoners working together to complete fun and inventive versions of regular WODs. Team times are always full of camaraderie, collaboration for a shared workload, and are a great way to get to know some people you haven’t had the chance to talk to yet! Come on down, and kick your ‘lonely’ to the curb!
Your Mood: Depressed
Depression is no joke. Millions of people suffer from depression that is debilitating and emotionally painful. But the good news is that exercise is scientifically proven to help treat depression! While finding the motivation to take the first step is the hardest part, the right activity can help.
Mood Busting Exercise: Try choosing an outdoor activity, where fresh air and the gorgeous Vancouver Island views can raise your spirits. Hop on your bike, or go for a run. If those ideas don’t appeal to you, how about a hike up Mt. Finlayson, Mt. Work, or Mt. Doug? Wherever you go, just get outside!
Your Mood: Stressed
We’re all busy, often taking on more responsibilities than we can handle. Yikes! When life gets crazy and you want to throw in the towel, you can wind down without giving up on your obligations.
Mood Busting Exercise: Try something that will benefit both mind and body, like yoga, stretching, or some good foam rolling. Treat your body right, and it will thank you for the ‘quiet time’.
If you still don’t believe me about this exercise business, try this one on for size: Have you ever finished a workout and thought to yourself, “Gee whiz, I wish I hadn’t done that! I really just wasted my time.” Probably not. Chances are you feel better physically and mentally afterwards. Regardless of your ‘funk’, exercise can be a useful tool to bust your bad mood and get you back to your normal self.
So, what are you waiting for?
Today’s Workout:
Buy In – Movement refresher for the WOD, equipment set-up, then a good 500m jog to get you all warmed up!
WOD – “Filthy Fifty”
For time:
50 Box jumps (24 inch)
50 Jumping pull-ups
50 Kettlebell swings (35lb)
Walking Lunge, 50 steps
50 Knees to elbows
50 Push press (45lbs)
50 Back extensions
50 Wall ball shots (20lb)
50 Burpees
50 Double unders
All Zones: Scale as needed!
Cash Out – Do some follow-the-leader yoga, if you have time. Wind down, and stretch it out!
