Exercise + gym = better mood???

I've been freelancing night shifts this week (5pm until 11 or 12). Getting to sleep around 1 or 2 am, up at 5:30 to walk and feed the dogs, then take hubby to the train, then crawling back into bed when I get home. Sleeping until about 11, then feeling too depressed to do much but screw around online (or shop****il it's time to leave for work.

Today, I dropped DH off at the train at 6:45 and dragged my ass to the gym instead. I will admit, I didn't want to go. Whined quietly to myself most of the way there. Did my regular weight training workout, then a half-hour on the bike. Not only did I NOT feel like I was going to die by the time I got done, but I noticed on the way home that my mood, compared to yesterday, and GREATLY improved.

Coincidence?

No, not a coincidence at all. Excersise releases natural endorphins, a "feel good" hormone. Keep it up, as you increase what your doing you will get even more of a natural "high". Nice job getting to the gym, it's so tough to get started. Took me about 4 months post op to go.

The brain uses 20% of our energy! I'll go and do a fiendish level suduko.  I promise you I feel good if I succeed!

As for the gym, I'll take your word or it.

Kate aka The Lazy Cow.

PS does that mean DH has a job again? Hope so!

nope, not a coincidence.  you got some of those endorphin thingys going on

i admire your ability to go to the gym after just a few hours of sleep...would not be able to do it!

i haven't started weight lifting yet (i was banded on 10/20), but am walking every day, and miss riding my horse.  grooming him is helping . 

physical activity is always good!  and not to be nosy..what kind of freelance work do you do? (i'm a risk consultant for an insurance company...i spend my days learning about different business and their funcitons, so i'm always very interested in what people do for a living)

betsey

Not a coincidence as far as I'm concerned. One of the reasons I'm an exercise fiend now is that it improves my mood so much.

Jean

So true. Awesome!