Lacing up so you don’t lose it

Disclaimer: I’ve always been an active person. I’m not saying this in the uppity sense, the ‘to-make-you-feel-bad kind of way’, but its quite relevant to my story. See I’ve always felt the intense need to exert energy. I belong to a unique generation that spent their childhood outdoors, literally playing with a ball and hiking in the woods to make secret forts.

Growing up in Nova Scotia, there wasn’t a lot to due but play sports. So that’s what I did. All year round I was a competitive athlete on numerous teams, playing hockey with the boys and running on a field with the girls.

However, following university I discovered there wasn’t many competitive leagues for women in my area. Men had this taken for granted luxury, but women? Not so much (this has since changed and was strictly due to location at the time). It wasn’t that I felt the need to necessarily compete and spend all my free time practicing as I did in high school. It was that I physically craved the health benefits associated with exerting energy. I needed it. If I didn’t go out and sprint 10 kilometers or play an intense soccer match I felt myself getting anxious and worrisome –and about minor issues in reality.

The transition of not having that competitive outlet was difficult at first. I became a gym rat to compensate but it’s just not the same as playing a game against other people and competing. However, I identified from a young age that if I didn’t work out for a few days it really affected my mood. I had to do something to get those “happy endorphins” going.

I’m sure you’ve heard people say that they run to “clear their head” or “stay sane”. They’re not making that up. You can reap indisputable health benefits from exercising.

And I’m not just talking about the physiological benefits which we’ve all heard about— such as preventing obesity, heart disease, stroke, high blood sugar and Type 2 diabetes just to name a few. Exercising also has remarkable mental health benefits.

It’s important to note that I’m not suggesting you all become long distance runners, especially if you are someone who isn’t too fond of the idea of working out or sweating profusely. Research has shown that exercising 150 minutes a week—equating to roughly 30 minutes, 5 times per week—will help with depressive disorders, increase quality of sleep and release endocannabinoids, which are endorphins that make you feel happier.

This includes walking at a moderate speed. You don’t have to climb mountains.

Research featured in the publication Chemical and Engineering News displayed how aerobic exercise reduces anxiety in addition to diminishing one’s ability to feel pain in mice.

A team of German researchers discovered that the endocannabinoid system may be involved in releasing feelings of euphoria caused by physical activity; often referred to as a “runner’s high”. Mice that exercised regularly on a wheel displayed far less anxious behaviour than the control group and displayed higher thresholds of pain when exposed to experimental testing.

Academics and members of the medical community have acknowledged the psychological benefits of exercise, as well. According to the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, engaging in moderate aerobic activity has the ability to improve mood, reduce levels of stress and enhance one’s ability to cope with stress.

The only experience I can speak from is personally, and personally I know exercise is the best form of self-care for my mental health that I can undertake. We all have our days we don’t want to ‘adult’, and feel like succumbing to the stresses associated with living in an over stimulated society. Next time it all feels like too much, I highly recommend lacing up your sneakers, and get moving.