Motivation on Vacation

This week I'm on a much needed vacation but it falls in the middle of training for my next half-marathon. So how do you keep motivated?

Some basic things you can do to keep on track are:

-Make a schedule prior to going on vacation(keep it realistic)
-Map routes for running (you might want to drive it so you don't get stuck 1/2 way)
-Pick hotels with work out facilities
-Search for gyms or pools before the vacation
-Keep things simple (you don't want to over exert yourself, this is VACATION)
-Be flexible (I can't stress this enough)

Because you are on vacation the running route will be new and should be motivating in itself. Checking out the sites on my morning run is the best part of the run. You might even go a little farther because you are watching the waves (in my case)!

Are You STRESSED!!!

Stress is a part of life that we cannot avoid. The results of chronic stress can be devastating to one's physical and mental health. As a psychiatrist, I often see individuals going through loss, divorce, financial difficulties, etc. and this over time can lead to anxiety and mood disorders. Psychiatrists often recommend therapy and medication but one aspect of a person's life that can make a huge impact is their exercise routines. Mentally, exercise provides an outlet for negative emotions such as frustration, anger, and irritability, thereby promoting a more positive mood and outlook. Exercise improves mood by producing positive biochemical changes in the body and brain. Regular exercise reduces the amount of adrenal hormones your body releases in response to stress. Also, with exercise, your body releases greater amounts of endorphins, the powerful, pain-relieving, mood-elevating chemicals in the brain. Depressed people often lack these neurochemicals. Endorphins are natural pain killers and also help lift your mood. The runner's high is a result of the increased endorphins in the body. Exercise, therefore, will keep your body functioning properly and will keep you feeling both relaxed, refreshed and promote deep, restful sleep.

I personally have found that at this stage of my life with work and family stressors running helps me to not only keep physically fit but also emotionally healthy. I find taking more than 1-2 days off from exercise increases my frustration level and I am more irritable. After exercise, especially running, I feel I can deal with almost anything and that positive energy is addictive.