Fitness: Finding a Healthy High, by Sandra O’Brien

By definition, sobriety can mean temperance or moderation, especially in the use of alcoholic beverages, or a seriousness, gravity, or solemnity towards a situation. Granted, most think of not being drunk when sobriety is mentioned. However, if we look at the idea of gravity or undue solemnity, there is no room for taking an overly heavy or serious approach to your fitness regime.

Physical fitness, no matter what your mode of activity – yoga, running, dance, crossfit, etc. – is like making love to yourself. Every time you take time out to get busy with yourself, you are loving yourself. Having the ability to move your body, increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to all of your cells, is something to be celebrated. You are outstanding and an awesome example to everyone who sees you!

In addition, exercise allows for an increase in Serotonin levels, for which alcohol is no match when it comes to body buzz and benefits. Serotonin is an important brain chemical that relates to your sleep and wake cycles, libido, appetite and mood. Researchers have found that regular exercise alters serotonin levels in the break, bringing improved mood and feelings of well-being. It may even ease depression.

When you exercise regularly, you get improved cardiovascular fitness, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improved muscle tone, you maintain your healthy weight and you reduce the risk of premature death. What’s not to love about that?!

2014 will be an outstanding year. Make the most of every moment. Giving up or limiting your alcohol intake in exchange for other chemical highs, as in increasing your serotonin levels, is good for you. It benefits not only your fat, weight, and overall physical self, but you will feel and look younger. And who doesn’t want that? This is your year to be your own hero, fall in love with you, take chances and inspire your community. We need you!

 Sandra-photoSandra O’Brien is mother to the world’s three most fabulous children. She is also a Law of Attraction Life Coach, Personal Trainer, yoga instructor, published author and Reiki healer. Her work has been featured on CityLine Television, and The Toronto Star. She is owner of Muskoka Hot Yoga, and Muskoka Goddess, offering hot yoga, tabata bootcamps, personal training and coaching. She created the Goddess Creation system, a female fitness program to blowtorch body fat, sculpt sexy lean muscle and empower women everywhere to be the best version of themselves, inside and out. She enjoys dancing, reading, hiking in the forest, meditation.
For more information on Sandra, please visit www.muskokahotyoga.com.