Why exercise makes you happy

Everyone knows about the physical benefits of exercise and being active.  But, not only does working out make you healthier physically, it also helps psychologically. When we work out, our bodies release endorphins which tend to make us happy.  New research shows that working out also stimulates serotonin which keeps us from becoming depressed and dopamine which helps in keeping us motivated.  So, it is indeed no coincidence that there is a good reason you feel better while you are staying active.

Less Stress

Working out gives you time away from everything else that is on your mind.  It’s hard to worry about everything wrong with your life while you are struggling to breathe while working out.  Look at your work outs as time away from stressors.

When we go through a great deal of stress, hormones and chemicals build up in our bodies.  Working out breaks these things down allowing us to deal with stress better.

Better Moods

Research has shown that working out can be as effective as antidepressant drugs in treating depression.  Usually, depressed individuals begin to see better moods after working out for a couple weeks.  This may be due to changes in chemicals within the brain like the increase in endorphins mentioned earlier.  Also, decreases in stress hormones such as cortisol have noted.

More Sleep

The more you work out the better you will sleep.  Any physical activity you are involved in will tire the body and help in rest better through the night.  Stress hormones also contribute to insomnia which, as we previously discussed are decreased when we work out.

Feeling Better About Yourself

The simple fact that you are doing something to better yourself will begin to give you a sense of self and control over your life.  The confidence you gain through working out will be apparent in other parts of your life as well.