Being Active Makes U Happy: WHY & HOW

Dr Nitin Mehta

MSc, PhD, FICN, Dip. in Lib Sc , &Hosp.Admn.

By now all know about the physical benefits of EXERCISE .Latest reports suggests that getting fit also improves your psychological health .When we exercise long enough, our body release the compounds – the natural morphine –like compound endomorphins,but many other body compounds are changed, serotonin, keeping us from getting depressed, and dopamine which keeps one motivated. Exercise breaks down the hormones and other chemicals that are build up during stress in an individual, this in turn also helps minimize nervous tension, and decreases the electrical activity of tense muscles .An increase in endorphins, changes in other brain chemicals, and decrease in cortisol or other stress hormones often get a person from mild depression after doing light aerobic exercise .Working out also reduces stress hormones and anxiety, which contributes to sleeplessness. Increased spiritual awareness may be an added “in thing” of the mind / body connection of exercise. The popularity of Yoga is growing for not just its physical benefits, but through its non competitive nature, emphasis on breathing excercises, Yoga helps one to live that moment. A solitary walk can help one feel more at ease with nature and gain a sense of peace.

Stress affects the quality of life now as well as your long term physical health .Stress has become a universal lament .Long hours at work, driving vehicle bumper to bumper or crowded metro train ride, and back home, demands of family life and the general state of the world at large, it is just unavoidable daily stress. It is related to a broad range of medical conditions, from heart disease to high B.P. and contributes to emotional problems. And a week on your own in the remotest part , in a secluded place to stay as you like is not an option to many .Here are some easy ways, one can combat STRESS , if followed religiously, and that too for about ten minutes.

Take a deep breadth. To begin with turn off phone, TV etc. and get into almost noiseless place. Take comfortable position sitting on the floor or in a straight – back chair with your feet firmly on the ground. There are various forms of deep breathing to repeating a mantra. Inhale for a count of four, hold for seven count and then exhale for eight count, making a sound .Breath deeply in for the full benefit.

Turn your world upside down. To get the benefit of inversion, one need not do shirshashan [ being upside down].Just lie on your back with legs up against a wall .or if that’s not possible, lie in the bed, raise your legs up in the air .This pose combats the effects of gravity on the circulatory system, and is helpful in varicose veins.

Speak Up . People who remain isolated from others in social life, working place experience stress and depression than those with strong social connections. It is important to develop and maintain friends in whom you can confide, along with other acquaintances. Pick up a phone, actually hearing some friend’s voice provide immediate connection. Try some jokes, laughter will improve your mood and give a boost to your immune system.

Make an “I did it” list. At the end of the day, list at least three/four things you did that are satisfying, it could be any thing as helping someone giving proper directions in your locality. This will help you to build self esteem, a key factor in combatting stress.

An improved Self image.. Take steps that are positive , improves your health , you gain a feeling of control of life and body .this sense of accomplishment and confidence will carry over to other areas of your life, raising your overall self esteem, nip any negative self talk and instead concentrate on appreciating all that your body is capable of doing . Remember this is all due to your daily work outs – mental and physical activity.