Are Ya In A Funk?

            Do you often feel overwhelmed by your crazy schedule, the to-do list, feeling scattered, unfocused?  Well, over the past 2 days I have been dragging; tired, moody, completely exhausted, and feel like I need to escape--in a “funk!”  I tell myself, it’s gotta be hormones; right?  Or maybe it’s the pollen?  Chocolate won’t kick it, extra sleep is just not working out, perhaps a workout will help.  I’ll admit it, there are days when I just don’t feel like exercising.  Why is it that when we’re struggling like this, and we know what we’re “supposed to do,” that we don’t it.  We complain, “I’m so tired” to anyone who will listen, but we’re frozen. 

            My experiences over the years have been that exercise is the key to days like this, and I am truly amazed that even a 20 minute walk or a short strength training workout honestly  does the trick.  We all know that exercise helps us feel better, but getting started can be so crippling.   So this morning,  I crawled into the gym and slowly began to move.  After about 10 minutes of pushing against my will, and boy was I pathetic, reached for the weights and cranked up the music.  Yes, the energy began to flow.  Next, I decided to go outside for a 15 minute bike ride, as that was all the time I had left.    The weather alone was inspiring--what a gorgeous, sunny day! I began to talk to myself and sort some things out; and don’t tell me you don’t too.  Suddenly, I noticed a neighbor waving and I am sure she was wondering who I was talking to.  I continued to ride through my neighborhood, my spirit lifted, and here I write feeling determined,  inspired, and renewed.  

            Exercise promotes vitality in our everyday mundane schedule.  Here are some more reasons to be physically active:

1.       Increase Energy, Clarity,  & Charisma

2.       Improve overall appearance

3.       Be able to withstand stress & lower risk of depression

4.       Decrease risk of illness –stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc..

5.       Speed up recovery from injury or surgery

6.      Build up cardiovascular endurance (heart health)

7.       Improve flexibility/ increase stability

8.       Increase lean body mass; higher metabolic rate (increased calorie burn even when at rest

So when ya don’t feel like it, just know YOU CAN DO IT!

                                         “80% of success is showing up.” ~ Woody Allen