Now that the days are getting shorter and cooler, it’s more important to work out to get the emotional benefits of exercise. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a kind of seasonal depression associated with getting less vitamin D in the winter and it’s four times more common in women than men. But following a healthy exercise routine can help.
Gretchen Reynolds, author of “The First 20 Minutes,” points out that you don’t need to be a hardcore athlete to get the brain-boosting benefits. "The first 20 minutes of moving around, if someone has been really sedentary, provide most of the health benefits," she says. "You get prolonged life, reduced disease risk—all those things come in during the first 20 minutes of being active."
Here are some more reasons you should motivate yourself to get moving:
Your mood will improve - When you’re stressed, you probably don’t feel like exercising, but research shows that’s the best time for a sweat sesh. "The link between exercise and mood is pretty strong," admits Michael Otto, a professor of psychology at Boston University. "Usually within five minutes after moderate exercise, you get a mood-enhancement effect."
You'll feel more alert - Neuroscientist and professor of psychiatry Judy Cameron explains that exercise increases blood flow almost immediately and brain cells will function at a higher level, making you feel more alert and focused.
You'll feel less anxious - According to one study, exercise can help people with anxiety disorders feel calmer. And researchers say a regular exercise routine can help improve symptoms of depression as well.
You'll be more creative - Having trouble with a creative task? A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine finds that working out could boost creativity for a short time afterwards. So try tackling your creative work an hour or two after you exercise.
Source: My Domaine