When Mood Follows Action: A Helpful Tip To Feeling Better
You can't think your way out of a funk, but you ~can~ do something about it.
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Presented by AG1:
It’s dark early, morning and night. By the time my work day is done, I’m wondering if it’s actually 8 p.m., instead of shortly after 5. The dim mornings make we want to stay in bed well after my internal clock gets me up. And as a result? My motivation for a whole lot of things, well, it’s dwindling.
Sound familiar? I’m sure I’m not the only person who is dabbling in the I don’t want to stages right now, when everything from working out to cooking feels like a chore compared to cozying up on the couch in a pair of warm socks and watching yet another episode of Suits (I know, I’m late to the party).
But recently, I’ve been reminding myself of this key principle:
Mood follows action.
Do I always want to sweat in the gym or get active in the kitchen? Or leave home to see friends or hit the grocery store when it’s frigid out? Of course not. But I have the awareness that most all of those things make me feel better once they’re done. Getting my heart rate up in the morning makes me feel proud and capable. Seeing friends makes me feel loved. Cooking for myself is therapeutic even on the evenings when I’d rather order takeout. In every one of those instances, some sort of an enlightened, more satisfied mood follows a decision. An action.
Mood follows action.
I’ve been there: That place where I want to will myself into feeling a certain way. But realistically, life doesn’t work that way all of the time — no matter how strong your will is. I cannot guarantee an action will be easy. In fact, I can promise in many situations it won’t be. However, if you can get over that hurdle, get out of your own way, and DO something for yourself? Well, I promise you — your mood will be better in the long run.
TELL ME: What’s an action you took this week that bettered your mood?
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Erin Andrews on Making Space with Hoda Kotb
I’ve been keeping up with sportscaster Erin Andrews for a while, but I really enjoyed hearing her get vulnerable about her work-life balance on Hoda’s podcast.
I’m Reading: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
I picked this back up recently looking for inspiration for a project I’m working on, and I was reminded of how much I loved reading it the first time around during a book club.
Gear I’m Loving: Under Armour No-Show Sock 3-Pack
These are still on discount (use “UAHOLIDAY” at checkout) and my go-to sock for everything from running to lifting.
Quote I’m Loving: “Failure is not something to be ashamed of — nor is it proof of unworthiness. Failure is something to be powered by. When we live afraid to fail, we don’t take risks. We don’t bring our entire selves to the table — so we end up failing before we even begin. Let’s stop worrying: What if I fail? Instead, let’s promise ourselves: When I fail, I’ll stick around.” — Abby Wambach
Thanks to AG1 — the daily Foundational Nutrition supplement that supports whole-body health — for supporting Hurdle.
I drink it literally every day. I originally gave AG1 a try years ago because I was tired of taking so many supplements and wanted a single solution that supports my entire body and covers my nutritional bases. Plus, I was popping way too many gummy vitamins. I wanted better gut health, a boost (or similar) in energy, immune system support, and also wanted a supplement that actually tastes great. I shake it up every morning after my workout, and truly it makes me feel energized and confident knowing that I’m doing something good for my body by giving it the nutrition I deserve — including 75 whole food-sourced ingredients, prebiotics, probiotics, adaptogens, and superfoods.
If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND five free AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. Go to drinkAG1.com/hurdle.
NEW PODCAST EPISODE🎧: 275. In Good Faith: Olympian Vashti Cunningham On Achieving Balance & New Heights
From a young age, Vashti Cunningham knew she was destined to go above and beyond — literally. After first attempting the high jump in fourth grade, the Las Vegas native ultimately went on to become one of the best women in the sport in the world. Now a two-time Olympian and six-time national champion, Vashti talks about how her faith guides her, what it was like to come up short at the 2023 World Championships, and what it was like being raised by two pastors. Plus: the pride she takes in representing her sponsors Nike and Red Bull, and how she hopes people feel when they leave an interaction with her.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
Went to a therapy session to try and work through trauma from a very unexpected and messy loss of a long friendship and partnership.