Gym = Happiness

EXERCISE! The gym is my happy place. After reading the first section in Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, I realized that my health gauge was not quite where I wanted it to be. I am most happy when I am waking up early, have a consistent gym schedule, fueling my body with the right foods, stretching, and spending time outside. I recently joined a CrossFit gym in Santa Barbara and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have always worked out and been in a gym community, but nothing like this one. Going to this gym is the highlight of my day. I love the nervous excitement I get when I am about to park my car anticipating the intense workout I am about to experience. When I walk in I am greeted by the other members and the two little dogs that run around the gym. The owner and coaches truly care about their members and want to do whatever they can to help us reach our goals. After an intense hour of heavy lifting, cardio, and some gymnastics moves we clean our equipment and then hang out for a while to chat, stretch, and play some basketball. 

This is what makes me the happiest. When I am at the gym I am in my “zone.” Everything seems to flow, I am engaged, I leave feeling satisfied, and the endorphin rush enhances my self-esteem. I am fulfilled and ready to take on my day. Physical health goes hand and hand with my mental health. I could stay at the gym all day if I had the time!