Hey there,
What is something that makes you feel happy?
You might answer something like: my partner, going out with friends, watching a funny movie, running outside, etc.
Which in a sense is true, but the actual feelings come from chemicals released in our bodies.
There are certain chemicals our bodies need for good mental health and to feel happy, fulfilled, and good.
These include chemicals like Serotonin, Dopamine, Endorphins, BDNF, & GABA.
All of these are either increased or regulated with physical activity.
And each contributes to good mood, feeling motivated, feeling calm, not feeling stress or pain, and managing (or even completely reducing) anxiety and depression.
So what do these chemicals actually do?
Serotonin – Serotonin plays a large role in helping regulate appetite, sleep, and mood. The target for several depression medications including SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).
Dopamine – A neurotransmitter that greatly influences your motivation and reward. The release of dopamine creates a feeling of euphoria, boosted mood, and sense of calmness when you complete a task. This plays a huge role in addiction, seeking pleasure, and creating habits.
Endorphins – Endorphins aid in your mental well-being and they increase feelings of pleasure helping reduce negative effects of stress or pain (like pain-killers do).
BDNF – Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor helps to protect neurons and assist cells in transmitting information more efficiently while developing new connections.
GABA - Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate activity of the specific nerve cells in the brain that process visual information, determine heart rate, and affect your emotions and your ability to think clearly. This is the target for some short-term anti-anxiety medications helping balance mood and anxiety.
Hey,
You’ve heard me talk about physical activity so many times before.
Because it is SO ESSENTIAL for good mental & physical health.
Today, I am sharing a few FREE ways for you to get active online:
1) ParticipACTION: TONS of activities (and partnered with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) who I am certified with) including quick fit breaks, jazzercise classes, family workouts, and activities for all fitness levels. Follow online or download their FREE App to follow along.
2) Yoga with Adrienne: Individual yoga classes as well as 30 Day Challenges for all levels with easy to follow instructions.
3) Heather Robertson: Follow along workouts for bodyweight, weights, as well as low impact including individual workouts and 12 Week Challenges ranging from 10 minutes to 50 minutes.
There are TONS of FREE classes online, if you can think of what it is you would enjoy doing!
Being outside and going for a walk, run, or bike is still an excellent way to get your exercise, outdoor time, and sunlight in, but online video classes can help get that extra sweat from the comfort of your house while working your muscles hard.
It can be as easy as choosing one, clicking play, and following along.
No matter your physical activity level, these will help you get moving.
Let me know what ones are your favourite!
And soon, our self-paced program will be ready for you!
I am so excited! I have recorded over 60 NEW exercises and added them to the Elate Fitness App!
Combined with simple daily tasks, weekly challenges, and all the info you need to create good mental health.
As always, I love hearing what’s going on in your life, what your challenges are and what is working for you. Send me an email to Corbin@elatefitness.ca.
You got this,
Corbin
