Did you know that exercising can make you a happier person? Well it certainly has in my case. See, at the beginning of the year I made some crazy resolutions; this was called my “Personal Improvement Project.” I started working out a few times a week (the goal was 3 times) and then in the summer I joined a big athletic club down the street (rated one of the best in Colorado) and now visit it usually 4 or 5 times a week.

Let me back up. Potential-Nobel-Prize-Winner Scott Adams has come up with a pretty accurate description of happiness:

Sometimes you think you’re unhappy, but you’re really tired.

Tired Means Unhappy

It makes sense to me! I realize when I’m not happy I’m also not feeling very energetic. When I lack energy I lack patience, and when I lack patience even the simplest things may get on my nerves. If that’s the case, my sleepiness is causing crabbiness. Think about it. Have you ever tried waking someone up? I bet they don’t look up at you with a big grin…

Exercise Means Energy

I visit the gym from 8:30-10:00pm most nights. Other times I go and play tennis or rock-climb for a bit. After working out I’m pumped, I’m ready to go. My heart is still going strong, my body temperature is up, I’m ready to be active. My mood changes almost immediately.

With that said, I’ve realized that the weeks I’m “too busy” to go work out are the weeks my life seems to suck. Perhaps its the tests or projects or work… or perhaps its the fact I’m not taking the time for myself outside of all that junk. I’m not spending a few hours to go work out and get my energy up. It’s much easier to throw a pity-party and complain, get upset, and so on. After going to the gym you forget about it. I took my break and now it’s time to get back to work. Exercise thing is good for me both physically and mentally.

In fact, I can’t afford not to take the time to get some exercise.

Well, and the fact that I pay something like $60 a month for the membership. There’s motivation…

by-nc-sa