Do it for the dop(e)...amine

My Google search history this week reveals several attempts to find out how to find a shortcut to attaining the elusive work-life balance.

"how to make exercise part of your daily routine"
"quick workouts for busy people"
"fitness classes in [my area]"
"what's the deal with crossfit"

It turns out that all I had to do to find the answer was to take a walk.

As this article promised, and this one, and this one, I benefited from something far more valuable than a trim waistline ... I found perspective, calm, excitement, creativity, and drive.

If you're struggling with finding the motivation for making time for exercise (yes,  making, not finding) then do it for the dope ... the chemicals that are released during physical activity that are said to:
- "motivate us to take action toward goals, desires, and needs, and gives a surge of reinforcing pleasure when achieving them"
- "feel significant or important"
- "alleviate anxiety and depression"

These benefits seem so similar to the factors that are needed for success - positive attitude, positive image, creativity, stamina etc. - that exercise appears to be the only shortcut needed for surefire success (together with consistent, focused hard work of course). And since we'll only be able to reap the rewards of the success is if we are physically and mentally healthy enough, it makes the benefits of exercise-induced chemicals superior to the manufactured ones bandied about in popular culture.

If you, like me, hate the idea and schlep of exercise, and always place it at the bottom of your to-do list because it never seems in line with achieving your professional goals, then it might be time to rethink your approach. From now on, I will be doing it for the dop(e)amine.



* The above is indeed based on a lot of "pop science", and should not be used as facts in any informal or legal argument as it is purely a result of a mind left to wander while the feet pounded a few kilometers of tar. For more scientific views on the topic of brain chemicals read this, or better yet, ask a trained professional.

**I'm by no means advocated forming an addiction to any type of chemical, natural or manufactured!
My motivation for exercise (which has mainly been half-harted attempts a week before hitting the beach) has changed from being focused on looking and feeling good, to being an integral part of my career plan.