Attitude Shaping and Shifting: Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise which uses oxygen and sustains an elevated heart rate for several minutes at a time like walking or jogging is a huge strategy for shaping your attitude. Anaerobic activities like weight lifting do the same. In my darkest moments, I have learned to maintain a regular exercise schedule. Without question, exercise reduces stress and anxiety and elevates my mood to the point I can at least keep my head above water. It makes the good times even better, some days inducing a mild euphoria like an exercise high.

There may be multiple reasons for this but science seems to suggest that one is bio-chemical. Moderate exercise releases chemicals in the brain that do wonderful things for your mind and emotions. Synergistically, I believe this works with a sense of mastery or accomplishment that comes from knowing you did something good for your body. As a practical matter, exercisers weigh less than they otherwise would which means they can exert less energy on routine daily activities. Exercisers generally look better, all things being equal others respond to them better, and they often have more self confidence than they other wise would. They get sick less, recover quicker, and live longer. They usually spend less out of pocket on health care, especially later in life. They may qualify for health insurance or better health insurance which again means they pay less out of pocket. They can often purchase life insurance at a discount.

You don’t have to torture yourself either. Most of these benefits are available for walking 20-30 minutes a day. I’d write more… but I have to go exercise!