We’ve all had those days. You’re cranky, you’re tired, you spilled your coffee right before scrambling out the door. You know, those days when your coworkers look askance at you and ask if you’re okay, even after you snapped, “I’m fine!” 

Yup, those days.

Those are the days for fitness.

Study after study has shown the positive effects of exercise on mood. It doesn’t have to be excessive exercise—no need to run a marathon over lunch—you just have to get your body moving. Even limited exercise pumps up your endorphins, the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters which also serve as natural pain-killers. Marathoners call this a ‘runner’s high.’

Despite the name, however, you don’t have to be a runner to reap those endorphin benefits. Any physical activity will do. You just have to get moving. Once you do, your mood will improve, your tension will reduce, and you may even find yourself smiling during the work day.

Your coworkers might actually believe you this time when you say that you’re fine.

Exercise is proven to ease depression and anxiety and make you feel better. Not only does exercise make you feel good, it has also been proven to reduce the physical manifestations of stress in your body. Reduced exhaustion, increased energy, and improved sleep—sounds kind of nice, doesn’t it? Though there are many methods of reducing stress, exercise is the one method most recommended by health care professionals.

So, if you’re having one of those days, make the time to go for a walk, do some pushups, or make use of your company’s on-site fitness facility. At MC Corporate Wellness, we often have clients say how much better they feel after an on-site fitness class. Whether they’re just starting the day, exercising over lunch, or closing out the work day with fitness, our clients have found the benefit of fitness for those days.