Exhausted? Pour Yourself a Cup of Exercise

I cannot even recall how many days I honestly feel as though I am the walking dead.  I am sooooooo tired.  How could I even be so tired? I slept last night didn't I? Then what on Earth is wrong with me?  Yes, work is incredibly exhausting, but this is unnatural.  On those days, the mere thought of working out after school is just too much to bear.  All I want to do is get straight home, throw something together for dinner and go to bed. 

But alas, I force myself to pass my exit off the freeway and get off on the one that leads straight to the gym.  Am I happy about it? Not really, but I know I will hate myself way more if I don't go and I can't deal with that kind of attitude (from myself that is).

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 So, I grab my pre-packed bag from the trunk, drag myself out of the car and go in to get changed.  While I am not thrilled while prepping for my workout, I already feel a bit more awake.  Once I choose my first victim (elliptical, tread/stairmill or spin bike) and press play on my "move it music" I am ALIVE!!! Once those minutes start ticking away I am honestly reborn.  No longer heavy, my eyes fly open, my mind is crystal clear (not foggy with exhaustion) and I am ready to take on round two of my day.  Why did I ever doubt the power of exercise?  What if I had given into my weaknesses and went straight home? Ahhhh, the thought it just too much, GOOD FOR ME, I DID IT!

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I have used this theory with my students in the past as well.  Falling asleep (they swwweeeear it isn't my lesson, but just that they are tired) so, what do I have them do?  Hop up and give me some jumping jacks?  Perhaps a few high knees to get the blood flowing?  Oh yeeaahhh! Within seconds they are perked right up and are thanking me for this great little endorphin break.

Instead of always running to nearest Starbucks to get your caffeine fix, why not take the stairs to you next meeting?  Look forward to your gym sessions whatever time of day they are, because you are going to love it once it's done.  You may be dragging your sneakers on the way, but once you start you WON'T regret how great you feel!