Exercise in the morning to stay motivated
It can be difficult to find the time and motivation to keep up a consistent workout routine, but getting it out of the way bright and early could help.
People who exercise in the morning are more likely to maintain a consistent workout routine, according to a data scientist at Jawbone.
“Exercising in the morning before dealing with the distractions of the day is a great habit to get into,” says Dr. Shastri Swaminathan, chair of the department of psychiatry at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. “In addition to the physical health benefits, it can also reduce stress and anxiety so you can start your day with a clear head and a positive attitude.”
According to the study, people who work out more often are also in happier moods than those who don’t. Furthermore, they found that even those who don’t exercise on a regular basis are happier on days they do make time to work out.
“Physical activity releases endorphins that trigger feelings of happiness and positivity,” says Dr. Swaminathan. “The scientific literature strongly supports that exercise has similar benefits to medications in mild to moderate depression, and as a result, it’s often a part of a physician recommended treatment.”
To start an exercise regimen, Dr. Swaminathan recommends finding a partner or joining a class so you aren’t as likely to skip or postpone a workout. Start with activities that have a low degree of intensity, such as going on a walk, and then work your way up to completing more challenging exercises on a regular basis.
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
