Elevate Your Wellbeing: The Transformative Power of Exercise
#adhd
#dopamine
#exercise
#mentalhealth
#neurotransmitters
#noradrenaline
#serotonin
Dec 10, 2023
Hey there, wellness warriors!
Today, let's dive the incredible benefits of exercise for mental health. The path to holistic well-being is paved with a variety of activities tailored to your unique needs and abilities.
First off, let me share a bit of my own journey. From horse riding to running. I've explored various avenues to keep my mind and body in sync. Life threw me a curveball with a torn ACL and damaged back in my early 20s after falling off my young horse. Things happen for a reason though. I discovered Pilates as a result. No more 20kms of running a week!
I got diagnosed with osteoarthritis at the age of 41 in my right big toe. I've had to make some other changes to my workouts as a result.
But guess what? Adaptation became my superpower. I'm grateful I can still exercise.
These days, I'm all about doing what I love ๐ฅฐ:
๐ฉฐ Barre (such a great low equipment and effective workout);
๐ฉฐ Reformer pilates;
๐๏ธ Training at the gym;
๐ Vibration plate training to keep muscle and bone density. Plus it helps relieve muscle cramps and drains my lymphatic system; and
๐ดBike riding.
Now, here's the scoop – exercise doesn't demand a gym membership or intense routines. Even less vigorous activities can unleash those feel-good endorphins. Every step counts, and hey, if you need a nudge, a smartwatch can be your best fitness buddy.
I often turn my apple watch on as motivation for some power cleaning! ๐งน As I hate cleaning! Unlike my late mother who seemed to clean for stress relief. This makes it a bit more rewarding. Plus I can multitask when teamed with some fun barre music I need to learn or an educational podcast.
Studies have sung praises for the positive impact of exercise, irrespective of age:
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It's a stress-buster;
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A distraction from negative thoughts;
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a social extravaganza when done in groups;
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a confidence booster;
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It can help improve self-esteem; and
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Plus, it helps rein in cortisol the stress hormone, unless you overdo it. And that's where the balance dance comes in.
Now, let's talk neurotransmitters – the brain's chemical messengers. They dictate mood, sleep, and cognition: ๐ง
๐ง Dopamine, the multitasker aiding depression, focus, and the zest to get things done;
๐ง Serotonin steps in as the mood stabiliser. Regulating pain, sleep, digestion. It is necessary balance the stimulating neurotransmitters; and
๐ง Noradrenaline revs up the brain's engine, tackling focus, sleep cycles, and energy levels.
But, there's a delicate equilibrium – too much of a good thing can tip the scales. Exercise, when done right, plays the hero in this neurotransmitter saga. It can help combat their depletion. Caused by various factors like drugs, alcohol, poor diet, and yes, too much exercise. Balance is key – inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters need harmony.
Exercise-induced cortisol can backfire if it becomes a stressor. A coping mechanism, or a punishment for that extra slice of cake.
The key is to exercise for enjoyment, not as punishment or a coping meschanism. Diminishing returns set in, and suddenly, your adrenal glands are waving the red flag. Then you have too much cortisol. We need cortisol. But we won't want too much.
I have to be careful with this given I have ADHD and lack Dopamine. Yes I had many light bulb moments when I finally, got diagnosed at the age of 41!
I used to exercise as punishment. Expecting it to give me the perfect figure or to burn off 'bad food'. I would also push myself to do styles of exercises I hate. Like running. I'll leave the running to my gorgeous husband. He's born to run and loves it
So, as you embark on your holistic wellness journey, let exercise be your trusted ally.
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Listen to your body.
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Find joy in movement.
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Let the transformative power of a balanced approach elevate your mood and reduce stress. Which will help boost your well-being.
Keep shining, wellness warriors! ๐ช๐
