There isn’t a whole lot we can do for our minds and bodies that have such a positive and immediate impact. Sure, a bar of chocolate or a slice of cake when we are feeling down can briefly make us feel better but this can come with a number of drawbacks.
You can gain weight and likely have a sugar crash later because of it. You could even enjoy a few drinks (alcohol) that can make you feel happier in the short term. But, basically, you are just borrowing tomorrow’s happiness and more often than not, there is a hangover on its way.
Exercise, however, will provide you with an immediate boost in your mood and make you feel happier.
When we exercise, our body produces the ”feel good” hormone, which helps to reduce stress, improve your mood, and has long-lasting positive benefits for your body. A 2018 review found that people felt happier with as little as 10 minutes of exercise per week. But more exercise is better and increasing how often you exercise has been shown to lead to greater happiness.
Benefits of Exercise
Reduces stress & anxiety:
When we exercise, our bodies release a amazing cocktail of endorphins such as dopamine, adrenaline and many more. They are all chemicals associated with feeling happy, confident and more capable.
While our bodies are busy producing these chemicals, it reduces the feeling of stress, anxiety and even pain in some cases.
Motivates healthier eating:
We have all heard of the saying ”You are what you eat” and this true. There is a correlation between what we eat and how we feel.
When we exercise, we tend to become more conscious in other areas of our lives such as our eating habits. This way you are now working on feeling good both inside and out.
Helps to boost your confidence:
When it comes to feeling happier and more independent in life, confidence is key.
Exercising can help here, it helps to boost your confidence because when you workout or go for a walk, you are doing something challenging which in turn gives you a sense of accomplishment and confidence in yourself.
Improves your sleep:
There is nothing more frustrating than a bad night sleep. It can negatively affect your mood, confidence and overall running of the day ahead.
There have been countless studies where aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, swimming helped to improve sleep. With both a good nights sleep and the exercise of your choice, you will certainly feel happier.
Helps you bond with others:
For most of us, we like to exercise with a friend or a team. Whether its the local walking club, bowling team or lifting weights at the gym, we get to connect with others.
When we exercise, get our heart pumping, bodies moving this can actually change your brain chemistry in a way that makes it easier to connect with others and bond. Exercising with others really does give you a sense of belonging, it helps to build relationships that can form true friendships and sources of support. Ultimately, helping you to feel happier.
Types of Exercise
The great thing about exercise, is that you aren’t stuck to just one type of exercise. It’s important to find something that works for you. We all know, we are far more likely stick with something if we enjoy it. While a 45 minute run outdoors might have the greatest impact on your mood, you aren’t going to stick with it if you don’t like or enjoy it.
There are so many options to choose from, there’s:
- Cardiovascular – walking, running, swimming, cycling
- Strength training – lifting weights, using resistance bands, crunches, squats
- Relaxed exercises – yoga, Tai Chi
- Team sports – tennis, badminton, boules. It can have all the same positive benefits on your mood with the added bonus of the social aspect.
So, whether you go for a walk or an intense run, doing some exercise is better than nothing. The trick is to find something you love and to stick with it, you will be one step closer to a happier and less stressful life.
Don’t forget of course, once you are finished with your exercise activities, you can always pop the kettle on for a well earned brew. We can certainly think of of a kettle ideal for this scenario.
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