Exercise is an important aspect of leading a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise can help with weight management, disease prevention, and improve mental health. However, like everything else, too much exercise can have negative consequences on our mood.
In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between exercise and mood, and look at why over-exercising can lead to a bad mood.
What is the connection between exercise and mood?
Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mood. When we exercise, our brain produces endorphins, which are chemicals that make us feel good.
Endorphins act as natural painkillers and can reduce stress and anxiety levels, leaving us feeling happier and more relaxed. This is why many people choose to exercise as a way to cope with mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
How much exercise is too much?
While regular exercise is good for our health, overdoing it can have negative effects. In general, experts recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
However, the amount of exercise that is considered “too much” can vary depending on the individual and their fitness level.
What happens when we exercise too much?
Over-exercising can cause physical symptoms like fatigue, muscle soreness, and decreased performance. But it can also have a negative impact on our mood. When we exercise too much, our brain produces more stress hormones like cortisol.
Related Article
Over-exercising can make us feel down
High levels of cortisol can lead to symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. This can make it harder to enjoy exercise, and can negatively impact our overall mood.
What are the signs of over-exercising?
If you’re worried that you may be over-exercising, there are a few signs to look out for. These include:.
- Chronic fatigue
- Muscle soreness that doesn’t go away
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood swings or irritability
- Decreased performance during exercise
How can you avoid over-exercising?
One of the best ways to avoid over-exercising is to listen to your body. Pay attention to how you feel during and after exercise. If you feel exhausted or notice a decrease in performance, it may be a sign that you need to take a break.
Additionally, it’s important to vary your exercise routine to avoid overuse injuries and burnout. Try to incorporate different types of exercise like strength training, yoga, or swimming, and don’t be afraid to take rest days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exercise is an important part of maintaining overall health and wellbeing. However, too much exercise can have negative consequences on our mood.
By paying attention to our bodies and avoiding over-exercising, we can enjoy the benefits of exercise without the negatives.
