When Life Gets Too Busy!

Motivation is a tricky thing to navigate through when Life throws so much at you at once! I have always found life a challenge instead of a stable ride and trying to fit in activities for pleasure are usually the first to take a back seat. To keep our motivation on track we need enthusiasm for our chosen activities which in turn, gives us routine and the hope is consistency! Easier said than done!

So when we start talking about needing exercise that we know is good for us, not just physically but mentally as well, yet time isn't on our side? How do we get past the block? I personally make sure I choose an activity I enjoy, that’s half the battle won! So make sure you set yourself something to look forward to. Again, if you look forward to it, why wouldn’t you do it?!

A lot of the time we feel guilty for taking time out for ourselves when we have so many responsibilities we feel should take precedence. But if we don’t look after ourselves, how can we say we are doing the best job we can right now? Yes, you are going through the motions, doing as you are told or feel you should be reacting to life’s needs before you feel you can relax, then it becomes a vicious cycle where you are doing everything for everybody else but you leave yourself on the shelf feeling drained and ultimately depressed, which can lead to a burnout. And that isn’t going to help anyone! Believe me I’ve been there. We all need to find a way to recharge our batteries, everyone is different but we are all sociable creatures at heart and so having a completely different network of support away from your expected responsibilities can help immensely with your mental health. And a gym with the added bonus of a pool and a steam room gives you some semblance of a treat, a pamper which you DO deserve and NEED!

My happy place is always going to be in a dance studio but with a dying father, a mother with mental health issues and a husband who has just had major surgery and everyone living in different parts of the country, navigating in the literal sense has become hard. You feel life pulling you in so many directions and you lose sight of who you are. I have certainly taken the role of care giver most of my life, I include becoming a teacher under that title as well as a literal carer from 2017 through to 2021 and I find myself in that role again but a more permanent sense with family. I have my own health issues I deal with but most of the time they have to be ignored and classed as not as important as the people I need to look after right now. But believe me, a low impact exercise class or just floating in a pool is my medicine. It just allows me to relax fully and I usually come home smiling and not feeling so much weight on my shoulders.

Now why is exercise so important to our mental health? Lets get sciency!

So we hear the word ‘Endorphin’ thrown out there, making us feel like we should know what that is suppose to mean, especially in the fitness world. Did you know there are over 20 different types?! No, neither did I so let’s break it down; The name "endorphin" is a combination of "endogenous" (meaning produced within the body, they are primarily peptides produced in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus part of the brain) and "morphine"

Morphine!? Endorphins bind themselves to opioid receptors in the nervous system, acting in similar ways to morphine. Blocking pain, controlling emotions and giving you the sense of ‘Euphoria’, in some cases without the use of ‘drugs’ like ‘runners high’. Physical activity releases those endorphins which have mood-boosting effects. Some research suggests that endorphins may play a role in social bonding and feelings of connection. Initially, it is our body’s natural painkiller and can help regulate stress hormones like cortisol. 

So now, what is cortisol and why do we need to regulate it? Cortisol is known as the ‘Stress Hormone’. It is actually a steroid hormone, known as hydrocortisone. This hormone contributes to all sorts of daily bodily functions including the immune and inflammatory systems and your metabolism. It helps maintain blood pressure, regulates blood sugar levels, and controls your sleep cycle. It is produced by the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, and its release is regulated by the pituitary gland in the brain, the same place as endorphins are released. So these two really do go hand in hand. To manage your cortisol levels, regular exercise is recommended but overtraining can have the opposite effect so get your cortisol levels checked with your doctor before attempting any new physical exertion.

By regulating endorphins and cortisol in the body, it balances your overall mood and keeps us engaged in life. So no matter how busy we are, staying healthy should always come first. We are not being selfish, physical activity in our life is a necessity for our mental well being and over all health so start finding enjoyable activities that get you excited to continue living a healthier and happy life!