5 Workouts to Boost Your Mood

There are various advantages to regular exercising. If you think it could only give you the perfect body to flaunt then you are wrong. It can also boost your mood. Clinical depression hits millions across the globe each year where about 9.5% of U.S population gets affected. The good news is studies have shown promising results in individuals who regularly exercise where the symptoms of depression have been reduced.
The release of endorphins in your body which happens during a workout is a great way to elevate your mood and the path to good health and wellness. With more awareness about mental health making its way around the world the various ways to cope with and boost our mood can come out of good workouts.
 

Swimming

While going out for an actual swim could be a great way to release stress and elevate your mood, you can start your day by performing a workout that can give you the benefits of the same. Start by lying on your stomach with your arms stretched overhead. Now float up your chest and arch upwards and lift your arms and legs off the floor while you balance with your belly deepening in and out. Slowly begin your arm and leg movements like you are swimming and repeat for 12 breathes before you relax.

Running

Tie your laces and pace around the running track for an intense session which will burn off maximum calories as well as boost your mood. You can listen to an energetic playlist while you are at it which will boost your energy to workout more and also help with your mood. You can also try running in groups which would be a great way to increase the distance you can cover. Try having at least a 60-minute session split in a week for great results.

Yoga

Various poses in yoga are related to certain benefits. For starters, you can try an upward dog position or lower back stretches which will bring up your mood. A study published in 2010 by Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine shared the effect of practicing yoga up to three times a week and the way it can help you cope with anxiety and enhance mood. Proper breathing technique during the session can be a great way to increase oxygen levels and improve your mood. For starters, you can try simple a breathing exercise where you breathe in for 5 counts then hold for about 3 counts and then exhale through your nose for about 5 counts. Doing at least 60 minutes of yoga per week is a great way to improve your overall health.

Image source: Flickr

Cycling

Taking your wheels for a spin can help you with better mood levels. Cycling is capable of activating brain neural circuits which can increase the overall energy of a person. While we assume physical activities can be very tiring, it can actually kick up your energy levels. A 30-minute cycling session will be a great exercise for your body and will stimulate the energy required by your body and boost your mood.

Pilates

Pilates is said to be the perfect workout for those who are longing for a relaxing, good night sleep. It is said to be especially effective to reduce stress levels and boost your mood. This is a core strengthening workout and dedicating up to 60 minutes in a week to Pilates for about 15 weeks can show you amazing results. Your overall energy levels will be higher and your mood is definitely going to get better. It can also help you have a calm and relaxing sleep. You can join gym classes for Pilates or look for instructions online to practice at home. The practice of Pilates involves over 500 different exercises in standing, sitting and lying positions which stretch your muscles and sharpen your concentration.
Choose comfortable gym apparel that can absorb sweat immediately in order to have a good workout session. Drink water and stay hydrated throughout the session for an efficient workout. Apart from workouts, start planning a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetable salads and smoothies. Dried fruits with vitamin k are also amazing mood boosters and hence make sure to add some to your diet. Essential oil diffusers placed in your workplace and home with scents such as lavender could be a great way to enhance your mood and relax and relieve stress.
 
About the Author
Jessica is an avid reader who enjoys getting lost in the world of books. She co-authored Supercharge Organic Traffic: a popular course focusing on Organic Traffic for Ecommerce. Holding on to her passion for fitness, she believes that a healthy diet is a key to healthy living. For more healthy diet related info visit Hxbenefit.com
 
What are your favorite exercises to boost your mood?
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Top Photo Credit: Yoga Image Source: Flickr