5 Ways to Crush the Winter Blues

We’re officially less than a month from spring and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably starting to feel the winter blues. To those who have been trudging through twelve inches of snow and daring to leave your house in sub-zero wind chills—we seriously salute you!

Even though it can be tempting to stay inside and cozy up with Netflix and hot chocolate during the colder months, we urge you (our incredibly tough friends) to stay motivated and exercise and for good reason, exercise is a major a mood-booster!

So channel your inner Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, ‘cause we’re talking how exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you seriously happy!

Got Stress?
Stress is a common reality for most of us. But how we deal with it can be totally different from one person to the next. Have you ever noticed that your fit friends tend to be more chill? That’s because physical activity boosts your endorphins, those feel-good neurotransmitters that release a sense of happiness.

Kick Anxiety to the Curb
If you’re feeling anxious, try exercise. According to the experts at Princeton University, exercise can actually change the chemistry in the brain. It starts when a neurotransmitter called GABA is released during exercise, helping to minimize anxiety. Yes, please!

Take a Deep Breath
Breathing exercises can help relax you, too. If you notice your breathing has become shallow, try one of our favorite exercises: inhale slowly through your nose, pause for a moment, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Continue this pattern for a few minutes or longer.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Exercise is a healthy diversion from the daily grind. When you really get into a groove with your workout, whether you’re on the treadmill or dancing away your stress, you tend to focus on your body and not your mind. Translation? Those stressors can literally melt away.

Get Started!
There are lots of ways to break a sweat. Our tried and true tips will help get you moving. Easy as one-two-three!

• Walk, Then Run
If you haven’t worked out in a while, start with short sessions and, over time, build up to 150 minutes a week of exercise.

• Mix It Up
Doing the same old, same old, gets, well, old! Try different classes at your gym. Seek out  new trails if you’re a hiker. Whatever it is you love, go do that.

• Make a Date
With yourself. After all, you schedule everything else, right?

Bottom line? Exercise can make you happier and help to fight those winter blues. It’s a natural stress-buster that also boosts your self-esteem, giving you the confidence to exercise even more. Continue this cycle and watch your mood soar.

How does exercise make you happy?