Day 36 The Work Out

Ok as predicted, Easter weekend + detox = fail. Not a massive fail, but no resounding detoxifying success either. I do, however, like yoga.

So thus far, in the 36 days of Happiness, I am particularly fond of Absurdism, Buddhism, and yoga. Any similarities? Ignoring the rather anomalous first philosophy, the other two share calming, meditative states. Don't know about you, but this personally conjures up illusions of softly lit rooms, wafting scents of, err, lavender (??), and generally a vegetative (lazy) state. BUT ALAS! Apparently one of the most effective ways to achieve a meditative state is running.

Yep, I've avoided it until now. But here goes... EXERCISE. That blissfully sedentary lifestyle coupled with 'quick-fix' happiness solutions (more chocolate/wine/episodes of Come Dine With Me, yes please) just doesn't compare to an exercise regime (or regimen according to Our Friends across the pond) for long-term happiness. Apparently. Surely this is debatable.

RIGHT... so stress, anger, fear, and anxiety all produce cortisol, a hormone capable of extreme organ-damaging naughtiness if too intense. Exercise saunters in and gobbles it all up. As equally neurologically excellent, exercise nudges the ol' pituitary gland in the brain to release endorphins. Truly the great party animal of hormone molecules, endorphins shimmy through their hedonistic mission by quite literally parking on receptors and blocking the transmission of pain signals. All in all creating a wonderfully euphoric feeling.

It would seem such euphoria is elusive... to achieve the 'runner's high' and sudden release of endorphins you have to achieve anaerobic exertion. Basically, deprive your body of oxygen through such jovial activities as heavy weightlifting or sprinting, until your muscles are literally screaming their (puny, in my case) heads off for you to stop, chill out, and crack open a diet coke.

Either way, here we go. I haven't been for a run since I fell over (two weeks ago? Probable cause: tripping over my own feet). Much blood and bruising later, my knees are more than ready for the usual onslaught around the canals of Hackney and it is nothing but laziness holding me back. I'll stick with running for now but I'm mildly excited at the thought of combining this with early blog musings on Kriss Akabusi (MBE, by the way) and Mr. Motivator. 80's style leotard anyone?