X for eXercise (A-Z Happiness Guide)

How do you feel after a good workout? In all probability you feel great (albeit maybe a bit sore).

Exercise is a must for happy living. It makes no difference whether we get a lot of exercise or a little, the main thing is (as the Nike commercial says), we “Just do it.”

When I was a child my parents put me into swimming lessons.  I am glad that I learned to swim but I must admit that I am not an avid swimmer.  When I was a bit older I was in Little League and Soccer League.  Most of my time was spend either on the dug out or the sidelines.  Every now and then I would join my mom for a jog but when the stitch in the side came, I decided that jogging wasn’t for me either.  However on the weekends my dad and I used to go hiking.  Hiking, with its room for solitude, introspection, and inclusion of natural beauty was an ideal sport for me.

When I got into high school a friend of mine introduced me to rock climbing.  Similar to hiking with inclusion of natural beauty, the outdoors, solitude, and introspection, rock climbing also combined the benefits of physical strength, agility, dexterity, as well as camaraderie (i.e. your climbing partner).  Being on that rock felt great physically, emotionally, and mentally.  After finishing a hard climb I felt as if I could tackle the world.  A self-esteem booster par-excellence.

Most recently, I’ve taken up Tai Chi.  Tai Chi includes stretching, deep breathing, self-discipline, and the martial arts.  It strengthens the mind, body, and spirit with a single 30-minute workout.

Regardless whether its basketball or ice hockey, bicycling or running, working out feels great and eliminates much of the emotional toxins such as anxiety and depression that contaminate our society as well as our everyday lives.  As a therapist, I have literally seen clients healed through exercise (or conversely fall into depressive episodes or anxiety due to a lack of exercise).

Exercise will add happiness to your life by clearing out the toxins that inhabit your body; thereby allowing you to feel great physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Additionally, you will find that you are better equipped to handle the situations that come up in your life.

Here are some more reasons to exercise:

Improve your mood.

Boost your self-esteem.

Stay fit.

Stay nimble.

Strengthen your cardiovascular muscles.

Strengthen your respiratory muscles.

Improve your immune system.

Improve your digestive system.

Feel good about yourself.

Here are some simple exercise routines to consider:

Shooting hoops at your local basketball court.

Jogging.

Running.

Taking a Karate (or other Martial Arts) class.

Taking an aerobics class (either in person or using a video).

Take dance lessons.

Swim.

Go for a bike ride.

Go canoeing, kayaking , or row boating.

Take a hike on a difficult mountain trail.

Climb a rock.

Play ball.

Recommended Reading:

Fitness For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness))

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fitness