The past weekend has not included one of my favorite activities – exercise. For personal reasons I took 3 days off from exercise. Even though I am in my recovery week with P90X, the scheduled workouts did not happen and I won’t be back tracking through them. I am not injured or sore, but had other things going on.
The bad part about this – I felt grumpy. I need my endorphins! Exercise gives me energy and a good mood. I guess it’s my drug of choice (not a bad one right?). Without it I can feel unmotivated, lazy and grouchy (poor husband).
Tonight I’ll get my fix and I can’t wait til them! In the mean time here is how I controlled my grouch monster.
Stay busy
I made myself a big to do list and got a lot of cleaning done around the house. It helped me not focus on my lack of enthusiasm.
Get in the kitchen
Whether I am cooking or baking, kitchen time relaxes me. I made a big batch of vegan bacon on Sunday. It is no substitute for crispy bacon in my opinion but it was super tasty and I will definately make it again!
Get outside
After spending almost the entire day inside I needed to get out on Sunday. Jacob and I went for a walk with Joe and I immediately felt more chipper from the fresh air and sunshine.
Have some cuddle time
The evening ended on the couch with a DVD playing. Sometimes a movie distraction with your love ones (animals included!) is the most relaxing and comforting way to end a day.
How do you cope with reduced-endorphin syndrome? Shopping always helps too but I resisted 😉
I am excited to announce that I am now the Portland Women’s Fitness Examiner.
Click here to check out my first article on yoga, flexibility and strength. I love comments.
Get Healthy With Heather 
I’m the same as you – I definitely notice a difference in my mood when I haven’t exercised for awhile. For me the biggest one you mentioned is getting outside. It’s amazing what some fresh air can do for me! 🙂
I went crazy with cleaning last night because I was driving myself crazy from lack of exercise! It definitely helps!
I will be sure to click and comment. I understand how helpful it is as I write for them as well. 🙂
I need my exercise too. I get in a funk when I can’t get it in often enough.
Staying busy helps me so much! I love to-do lists that I can move right along on!
Congrats on the Examiner position! Let me know how you like it! I’ve only posted 2 articles because I just can’t seem to keep up with blogging and the Examiner. I hope you find better balance!!
I notice a big difference when I am not exercising. At least you moved around quite a bit. Cleaning and cooking can burn some serious calories! I just try to keep busy if I don’t end up getting in a workout.