This sudden change is explained best in an article that I recently read on what happens to our brains when we exercise and how it makes us happy. Of course, we have all heard about the endorphins that are released which bring on a feeling of euphoria but there is actually real science behind the magic of exercise. The article states that there is a protein, BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), released in the process of exercise that protects your brain from stress. Leo Widrich, the author of the aforementioned article, states that BDNF and endorphins are the reason that exercise makes us feel good. He further points out that regular exercise is what maximizes this happiness. So making exercise a habit is not only physically healthy, it is emotionally healthy as well.
That's enough proof for me. Exercise is better than drugs and what's more it's natural and legal! What more do I need to continue on my journey to six weeks of daily exercise?
There have been a few tips that have kept me on the straight and narrow to being consistent over the last twenty-one days.
- I chose a primary method of exercise. I love walking and to be consistent, the treadmill is the best method for me. A home treadmill or one at the gym both work well.
- I chose morning workouts. This has made all of the difference for me. It starts my day off on an upswing and my workout is finished so that I am not deterred from unforeseen circumstances.
- I chose a small motivator. I use Foursquare to check into various places. I check into my gym using this social media application and record my results. It allows me to share it with my Twitter followers (accountability) and the application responds with encouraging feedback (you've been here 21 days in a row). As a reward for my frequent check-ins, I recently stole the mayorship of my gym, Planet Fitness. Sweet!
