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Tonight is one of those nights where I find myself absolutely exhausted.  The combination of a poor night’s sleep last night, a long hot day today and a barn burning slow pitch game in the heat have combined to leave me wondering if I can even make it into bed tonight.  For the record, although I will set this post to publish at 5 am on Tuesday, I’m writing it as of 10:30 pm Monday. 

I have realized lately that there are a bunch of different kinds of tired.  I won’t bore you by trying to list them all, but I will contrast the two that are most important to the point that I am trying to make.  The first kind of tired is what happens when you do nothing all day long.  I don’t know why I find doing nothing so tiring, but I have had this discussion with others that actually do agree with me.  I also find that if I do nothing for too many days, I tend to lose motivation and I actually start to feel down. 

1.  Doing Something Good for Yourself Feels Good

Another kind of tired is what happens after physical exertion.  As long as you don’t overdo it, it actually feels pretty good.  Sometimes it can be hard to motivate myself to get out and get the exercise that I need.  That is actually the hardest part.  Once I get going, I tend to gain momentum and before I realize it, I am done.  Doing something that I know is good for myself actually feels quite good.

Although it was very tiring to play in the heat tonight, it was a lot of fun.  I feel much better than I would have if I had just stayed home and done nothing.  The same usually goes for going to the gym, biking places and walking the dogs.  It can be hard to motivate myself to get moving, but it feels good once I’m done. 

2.  It Takes Your Mind Off Your Problems

I don’t see a point in wasting anyones time talking about typical reasons for exercise.  We’ve all heard all of them before.  I am trying to use examples from my life, and the difference that exercsie makes to me.  Another example of a benefit of exercise is a reduction in stress.  Studies have shown that it reduces your overall stress level, but it also provides a bit of a break from whatever your current worries are.  If you challenge yourself, you actually need to focus on whatever you happen to be doing, whether it be using the treadmill, lifting weights or trying not to get yourself thrown out on the way to second base.  I’m not a very fast runner, but when I am on my way to a base or trying to hit, there is nothing else in my mind.  My course selections have been costing me some sleep lately because of some problems, but those things didn’t even enter my mind from the time that I arrived at the ball diamond until after I got home.

3.  People Can’t Solve Problems Angry

I also find that when I am upset about something, going to the gym wears me out enough that I am usually tired and happy by the time that I leave and I’ve given up being angry.  I understand this, and there have been times when I have taken advantage of it.  I have gone out of my way to go to the gym so I calm down and clear my mind.  Sometimes to find a resolution to your problems, it just takes a clear mind.  I have seen many, many examples of people being unable to solve problems angry, but as soon as they calm down, the answer jumps out at them. 

There are many advantages to exercise and keeping busy.  Everyone needs to find their own motivation to improve their health, and knowing what drives you can help you improve your happiness, health and overall lifestyle.  Some of the more common motivating factors include longevity and having more time to spend with friends, health and enjoying your life more, or even just the happiness that can be derived from knowing that you are taking care of yourself.