If you're feeling sad, it's amazing how physical activity can
change your emotional state and start to make you feel more
positive.
Here are a few ideas that you can do to see if you can make
yourself feel better.
Breathing exercises
Breathing correctly not only helps with posture but can make you
feel calmer, too. Find a quiet space to sit cross legged, close
your eyes, and take some deep breaths. Then, keeping your buttocks
on the floor, walk your fingers as far forward as possible, keeping
your head down; then uncurl your spine to an upright position.
Shake off your blues
Put on your favourite CD and spending 20 minutes dancing in your
front room! No one can see you, so you can really let your hair
down. You'll burn up to 150 calories and feel much more positive
afterwards.
Put your feet up
If you're too tired for exercise, whilst watching the TV tonight
sit on the floor with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor and
slightly apart. Hold lightly onto your knees and gently lean back,
holding the pose for 10 seconds. Don't forget to keep breathing.
Repeat 3 - 5 times. For extra toning, let go of the knees whilst
holding the lean back position.
Get some fresh air
Re-energise and clear away mental cobwebs. Why not go for a
power walk for 30 mins if you're feeling tired? Try over
exaggerating your arm movements as you walk, keeping your shoulders
back and your navel pulled towards your spine. You should be
slightly out of breath, but not gasping for air.
Sit tall
If you really can't be bothered doing any exercise, try to
remember to sit tall. Posture is important for your spine and the
muscles surrounding it, and sitting correctly will help release
tension from the shoulders. Keep your shoulders back, neck long and
try not to cross those legs.
Try something new
Tai Bo is an excellent stress reliever. If you can't join a
class, try some of the moves at home. Stand feet apart, hands
curled into fists, with elbows bent. Then punch straight forward,
alternating hands. Really throw your weight into the punches and
exhale with each one. Use a punching bag to burn even more
calories.
Take a brisk walk
If you don't enjoy jogging but need to let off some steam, try
combining walking and jogging. Walk at a brisk pace for 4 minutes
then jog for 1 minute. Repeat the walk followed by 2 minutes
jogging and so on, until you reach 5 mins jogging. This will total
around 26 minutes of exercise, and the fresh air and activity will
help to level out your mood.