Do Pushups Help You Feel Better? Emotional Benefits of Exercise

Whether push-ups can help you feel better may seem like an obvious question…

We all know exercise is good for our health, right? We’re aware that it can help us look better, and improve our heart, endocrine, and bone health. But what if you knew it can help you feel better emotionally? Because it can.

And better, what if you knew why it helped you feel better? Wouldn’t that be a deciding factor in your motivation to make exercise part of your morning (or evening) ritual? I hope so. This is what I am sharing in this episode of #HappySoulHacks.

These modern times really do have us living in our heads. It’s possible to go days and weeks without having to move much at all! Everything you could want or need is available at the touch of a button. And, while all this convenience is wonderful and time-saving, it is wreaking havoc on our well-being- physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

It is time to get out of your head and into your body! Watch the video to learn why exercise is key to helping you feel better- body, mind, and spirit. You get the physiological benefits that I speak about in this episode- of tryptophan and endorphins, feel-good hormones, as well as a fit body and a time to release stress and clear your mind. Watch the video to see how these hormones work on the brain!

Why Pushups Help You Feel Better

Get Moving and Don’t Let Fear Stop You!

First of all, let’s be honest- you are the only thing in your way of an exercise routine. Of course, almost all of the most successful people in the world figure out how to incorporate into their lives, so “busy” – while it was my excuse for years – no longer flies!  You can make time for it because you make time for other important things.

I know if you don’t feel well, the last thing you have is motivation, but if you want to change, you have to MAKE yourself and, as a result,  your mind changes. Chronic pain sufferers, I know your pain makes it harder. Start small and get guidance from a physical therapist as to what would benefit your particular issue. Remember research shows that an increase in movement decreases pain and therefore, makes you feel better. As hard as it is to start, the physical and emotional benefits are worth it. For this reason, it gets easier.

Likewise, moving your body builds confidence. Commit to a daily activity and follow through with it. Start small. Lay on your bed on your back and roll to your front, roll back again, and forth again. Maybe even make it a game with your child or pet. Boom! Core strengthening. Brushing your teeth? Do some squats. On hold? Lunge while you wait. Watching TV? Do some stretches. Getting together with a friend? Use walking as your activity because combining exercise and connection has innumerable benefits.

Finally, for feeling better: Exercise is a win-win-win-win.  Don’t leave it out of your day.

What small thing can you do today to start or recommit to your exercise routine? Share with me.