“Why are you always happy and energetic??” A close friend asked, “Maybe you are unconsciously forcing yourself to be positive and optimistic all the time although deep in your heart you are not?” He continued with a look of amusement, “It’s not possible to be positive like you all the time.” His conclusion was that I was either faking it or forcing myself into thinking positively.
Yes, my mantra for life is “you don’t smile because you are happy. You are happy because you smile.” I am generally a positive person with smile. When things are tough and hitting rock-bottom, I do roam around the city or remain flat in bed for a while. But it doesn’t last more than a half day. Because I know how I can spring back up to my real self.
My panacea to a happy mind is nothing special but scientifically proven. It’s a hormone injection that I do to my system. No, I am not talking about external injection of artificial chemicals. It’s a naturally created hormone that’s induced by physical activities, exercise!
It’s been a good 15 years that every single day exercise in the morning. I can proudly say that the adrenaline pumping ritual in the morning is what led me where I am and who I am now. Once I figured out the unbeatable benefits of morning exercise, NO MATTER WHAT I did in the previous night, I hit the gym first thing at the dawn. For some it’s coffee that wakes up the body and heart. Getting perked up by exercise is my version of double-espresso.
Yes, I am addicted. But this is good one, isn’t it?
Cliche and boring but not mine…
Benefits of exercise in the morning are countless. REALLY. It’s almost cliche to talk about them. So I’ll skip the usual boring health benefits, instead, here are meaningful reasons why you should do the same as a working career focused woman.
- You are going to take a shower ANYWAY, so you might as well take the chance to move your body for a bit and get sweaty before your typical morning routine. Just 10 minutes of jumps, squats or whatever that boosts your blood circulation will do. There is NO excuse to skip a shower since you’d stink! Now, just show up with a fresh glowing face at your work.
- AVOIDing traffic jam. This is another big reason for me. There is not many people on the road around 6:30~7am. Going to a gym then means that a subway becomes your moving library to read quietly and a bus becomes your personal bullet taxi! On top of that, it’s rare to get stuck with traffic jam that would slow down your car.
- With a magic of dopamine, your blasting energy spills over to others and natural high pitch comes out in your morning greetings. Your work morale and motivation will surely be lifted with the upbeat spirits. Have doubts? Give it a try!
- Your BRAIN will be wide awake, and will function much better and faster than anyone else. You will find your productivity level increasing and efficiency of priority-setting elevating for the day.
- Most IMPORTANT motivation for excersie in the morning…… I can PLAY after work. I am able to enjoy anything I do without a feeling of guilt because I have already accomplished one important must-do for a working professional. Besides, most of interesting activities/events happen after work. You can read a book, enjoy gourmets with friends, and go dancing. Oh, tinder dating too! 🙂 Drinking like Koreans(?) is also an option after dinner since burning fat effect still continues the whole day. (A disclaimer: drink responsibly… lol)
Why not take your feet out the door today to set your habit? For the next 1 week as a trial START with taking 10 minutes of walk or run. Yes, only for 10 minutes first. I don’t recommend a big grand plan to start; Don’t start with 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights. Your first step should be getting into an exercise routine. Period. Condition your body by leaving the house even your eyes are half closed!
Your friends, family, and colleagues will notice your radiating complexion and your bright smile and inextinguishable energy. The soaring confidence that you feel you could tackle any obstacles is an additional bonus!
Guess when the idea of Freedom Edge was formed?! Yessssss, during my morning ritual.
