The light is noticeably returning since my last entry! I actually welcome the darkness, AND I always feel so rejuvenated with the return of light and spring nearing!  We have to still remember though, to keep taking extra care of ourselves while it’s still dark, cold and wet in the northwest! Let’s talk about exercise, and how it affects us.

Our bodies are simply amazing! All of the systems within our bodies are continually flowing, our nervous system, circulatory system, immune system, digestion…our inner bodily functions are completely connected. And some of our actions can play into maintaining and strengthening our bodily functions, like exercise!

Exercise is good for you! When you exercise, endorphins are released from your brain and travel through your body; these endorphins trigger positive, energizing feelings. They act as analgesics in your body, decreasing pain sensation. Exercise + Endorphins = Stress Management. Healthy stress management encourages a healthy immune system.

Your brain benefits from exercise! Neuroscience studies have shown that exercise stimulates brain plasticity, your brain’s ability to change, adapt and stimulate new connections between cells and even regeneration of cells. Your cognitive ability to think more clearly and use the higher executive functions of your brain is enhanced through exercise.

Exercise keeps your heart strong, the blood pumping through your body and brain, which affects every other system in your body. This keep your hormones balanced, for example, your pineal gland producing melatonin for a good night’s sleep.

Better yet…exercise outside in nature! Being in nature helps a person feel better too! As we breathe in the fresh air, phytoncides, the chemicals that plants have naturally, enter our bodies. These phytoncides have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help the plant fight disease and repel certain insects. They also initiate our bodies to produce more fighter t-cells, which ward off pathogens.

We all know that exercise is healthy, and yet many excuses can arise when we are trying to initiate an exercise habit. No time…it’s boring…not fun enough…too many other important things to do…blah, blah, blah!!

I think we just have to get ourselves in the routine again.

Ok, that’s all for now. I’m going outside to play and exercise and have some fun!

Many Blessings of Health, Happiness & Physical Fitness to you!