You’ve done it! You’ve decided to undertake a new physical activity. Perhaps it’s an endurance activity like running, cycling, or swimming. Or maybe it’s an activity that requires more strength and balance, such as weight training or yoga. Maybe it is not even a physical activity. Let’s say you’ve committed to an academic pursuit, such as a course through a school or university or even a self-education venture. How about a project at home or work?
Whatever it is that you have decided to tackle, you will derive significant benefits from it. First, there is the joy of the activity itself. This is especially true when you begin to get into a state of flow, also referred to as “getting in the zone.” You know what I’m talking about, right? What an incredible feeling! Physical activities have their own set of remarkable bonuses. We are likely all familiar with the “runner’s high” that occurs due to the release of the body’s endorphins. These feel-good chemicals produced by our own bodies during exercise bind to the same brain receptors that opioids do. However, unlike pharmaceutical opioids, these will create a positive state of mind without the potential for dangerous side effects. In addition, exercise often gives your muscles that awesome feeling of being “pumped.”
Another benefit of beginning a new venture is a sense of accomplishment and pride when you’ve completed all or even part of it. And finally, there is the discovery, learning, and growth that goes along with new pursuits. I personally find this aspect exceptionally rewarding. I thoroughly enjoy reading non-fiction books because discovering new ideas exhilarates me. Last year, I attended an emergency medicine conference on airway management. I acquired a great deal of knowledge and had the opportunity to sharpen my skills and learn a few new ones. I experienced a wonderful feeling of satisfaction on my drive back home.
I encourage not only physical activities but also exploring and expanding your horizons so that you may learn new things and experience personal growth. Have you been thinking about beginning a new form of exercise or committing to a project or academic course? Kudos to you! Move forward with it and reap the many rewards.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I hope you’ve enjoyed it and found it informative. Please feel free to pass it on. Until next time…be well.
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