Today, sometimes it’s as simple as popping a pill to help improve your mood. Instead, take control of your attitude by exercising your bad mood!

Studies have shown that when you finish an intense 30-minute workout, the after-effects are as powerful as any drug the doctor can give you. When you exercise, your body naturally releases adrenaline, endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, also known as neurotransmitters. Located in the brain, these neurotransmitters control various body functions, including appetite, sleep, memory, learning, body temperature, mood, behavior, and muscle contraction. In other words, when these neurotransmitters are activated, your body functions at an optimal level.

For those of us who don’t get relief from prescription drugs, exercise can be a natural alternative. Think about the last time you completed a grueling workout. How did you feel? In addition to feeling sweaty, more often than not, after you’ve put in a really intense workout, you’ll feel an immediate sense of pride that is extremely gratifying. At the same time, exercise promotes stress relief, which is a phenomenally healthy and productive way to prevent depression and anxiety.

Exercise not only helps your mood, but also helps prevent chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc. The list is endless. The chemicals released within your body during and after exercise help prevent these diseases from taking hold.

So the next time you’re feeling down, or you’d rather stay in bed and face the world, take control and choose to feel good. It’s as easy as taking out the weights and breaking your negative mood! You will most likely feel better in no time.