According to research and local legend, the third Monday of January is the day when people feel the most miserable of the year. This week in general is said to be when people feel at their overall lowest of the year… So how are you feeling?
It’s understandable why people don’t feel at their most sprightly and best. There’s the post-Christmas and New Year festivity blues, the cold and long dark nights seem relentless by now and Spring is not even in the air, the bank balance desperately needs this month’s payday, and as for some of those New Year’s resolutions… Maybe next year then…
But we have good news to put a skip in your step (ideally our way!): exercise is the best boost of mood there is!
For instance, health specialists tell us that anyone who regularly exercises has around a 30 per cent lower risk of becoming depressed. Exercise boosts the body’s own natural high that is a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system called endorphins.
Remember also that by joining a gym you’ll avoid the feeling of being alone that often plagues people throughout the winter months. We see plenty of friendships develop at our gyms – and friendship is one thing that’s a guarantee of boosting our wellbeing.
Then there’s the physical benefits – up to 50 per cent less chance of developing type 2 diabetes or getting colon cancer; up to 35 per cent less risk of developing coronary heart disease or having a stroke; up to 20 per cent lower chance of getting breast cancer – and about a 30 per cent lower risk of an early death in general. This is based on someone being active every day and doing at least 150 minutes of exercise each week.
So turn this “most miserable” week into a positive. And don’t forget that seven days without a visit to the gym makes one weak!
