Your mood can have a serious impact on your ability to lose weight. When you’re in a bad mood, it can sour your motivation and make it significantly harder to resist unhealthy habits like emotional overeating. Whether you’re stressed out, going through problems in your personal life or merely having a bad day, that negative mood can translate to slower progress after sleeve gastrectomy or Lap Band in North Florida.

Because your attitude is of utmost importance, you should spend some time now learning about ways to keep your spirits high as you focus on losing weight. There are several forms of exercise that, in addition to helping you build strength and burn calories, have a proven ability to lift your mental state. Devoting some of your workout time to these activities can be an excellent way to improve your attitude and motivation after weight loss surgery.

Center Yourself with Yoga

The slow, meditative movements of this ancient activity can help you tone your muscles and improve your flexibility, but yoga is just as good for your mind as it is for your body. One study found that those who were new to yoga reported better mood after practicing regularly for three months, a result that researchers attributed to improved activity in the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation. Another study found that yoga can increase your levels of GABA, an amino acid that reduces anxiety. Yoga also places emphasis on deep breathing, which will provide a greater supply of oxygen that helps the function of your entire body, brain included.

If you’re hoping to take advantage of these benefits, you can practice yoga at home, but the best way to learn the basics will be to take a class. Start looking for a yoga class at your gym or a nearby studio and, as with any new activity, check with Dr. Cywes to be sure that yoga will be safe and healthy for you.

Energize Your Mind with Cycling

Juggling your everyday responsibilities with the challenges you’ll face after weight loss surgery can be draining, but activities like cycling can help you retain your mental energy. A study at the University of Georgia found that participants experienced a boost in energy levels after 30 minutes of riding a stationary bike. Researchers examined the regions of the brain that relate to energy and found that cycling activated neural pathways that make us feel more energized.

You can get a convenient and energizing workout by riding a stationary bike, but bringing your cycling workout to the great outdoors can help you feel even more invigorated. The fresh air, sunshine and greenery can help just as much as the physical activity, while cycling’s low-impact nature makes it appropriate for people of nearly any weight and fitness level.

Losing weight is about a lot more than just your diet and exercise habits—a good attitude is instrumental, so use your workouts to foster the mood that will help you reach your goals. What other workouts have helped you get fit and stay happy after sleeve gastrectomy or Lap Band in North Florida? Share your recommendations in the comments below!