The worse your mood the more important your workout

by | Mar 29, 2018 | Covid Sanity Pack, Growth Mindset., Kathleenisms, Move More

This is one of my personal favourite Kathleenisms — part of my personal arsenal of internal motivational self-help dialogues. When I don’t want to train I say, “Kathleen, you ALWAYS feel better when you MOVE. You feel crappy? Great … even more reason to work out. Moving can only improve your mood. Plus, even if you don’t feel better, at least you will feel crappy and fit instead of crappy and like a lump on a log.” I have been working out for over 15 years, so I know I am not lying to myself — it is consistently true that no matter how low my mood, I always feel better after my workout.

My next line is often “Kathleen, use your 10-minute rule.” Basically, I make myself move, but I tell myself I can stop after 10 minutes if needed. The rationale is that breaking the workout into chunks will make moving seem less daunting. Plus, 10 minutes of exercise is better than nothing, so if you do stop, that’s OK. Usually, once you have done 10 minutes, you will continue and finish the workout.

Walking is an inexpensive and convenient way to make sure you get at least 10 minutes of exercise. Try walking to work or on your lunch break. As a bonus, working out in natural light provides a double dose of serotonin, our body’s natural “happiness” neurotransmitter. Being active outside will give you the strength to get through a hectic day at work.