Improve Your Mood by Exercising

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Program Description
You don't have to spend hours in the gym to improve your mental state. If you focus on the intensity of your workout rather than how much time you log on the treadmill, you will actually release more mood-enhancing endorphins. By challenging yourself, you will not only experience a "runner's high," but you will also reduce your stress levels, increase your self-esteem and sleep a lot better.

Actions

• Start with 10 to 15 minutes of physical activity a day.
• Increase to 30 minutes of interval cardiovascular training done 3 to 5 times a week.
• Do resistance training 2 to 3 times a week.
• When the weather is suitable, work out outdoors.
• Stay hydrated by drinking at least 64 oz of water daily.
• Listen to energetic music to push yourself through your workout.

About this Author

Melissa Rosen is a freelance writer and nutrition counselor with a practice, www.librawellness.com, based at Skin Haven in Los Angeles. She has studied at Northwestern University, the University of Melbourne, Charles University in Prague and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She holds a Master of Professional Writing from USC.

Last updated on: 11/18/09

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