How Exercise Makes You Happy

We know that exercise is good for our bodies, but did you know it can also boost your mood, improve your sleep, and help you deal with depression, anxiety, stress, and more?

Studies^[1] have shown that exercise has a profound impact on mental well-being and can contribute to feelings of happiness and overall positive mood. This has also been found to be the case for all age groups. For example, a study by ^[2]West Virginia University found exercise led to happiness for middle school students and the University of ^[3]Iowa found motivation was increased for seniors, and their cognitive function and memory were also improved with exercise. But how does it do this?

There are several ways in which exercise can influence happiness:

Release of Endorphins

Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Endorphins create a sense of euphoria and well-being, making you feel better in yourself and giving you more energy.

Reduction of Stress and Anxiety

Physical activity helps to reduce levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and stimulates the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with feelings of relaxation and happiness. Regular exercise can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and improve overall stress management. Physical activity also gives your brain something to focus on and can be a positive coping strategy for difficult times.

Reduction of the Risk of Depression

^[4]Studies have shown that doing regular physical activity can reduce the likelihood of experiencing a period of depression.

Improved Self-esteem

Engaging in regular exercise can boost self-esteem and self-confidence. Achieving fitness goals, can make you feel better about yourself as you see your progress and feel stronger and more capable. This can enhance your self-perception and contribute to a positive body image.

Enhanced Brain Function

Exercise promotes blood flow to the brain, which can enhance cognitive function, memory, and focus. It has been linked to increased creativity and improved overall brain health. A sharp and alert mind can positively influence mood and happiness.

More Social Interaction

Many types of exercise offer opportunities for social engagement, such as team sports, group fitness classes, or exercising with friends. Connecting with people when doing group or team activities, can help you meet new and like-minded people, and make new friends.  Social interactions provide a sense of community, support, and connectedness, which can enhance happiness and overall well-being.

Improved sleep

Regular exercise has been shown to improve the quality and duration of sleep. It helps to make you feel more tired at the end of the day. Sufficient restorative sleep is crucial for maintaining a balanced mood and positive mental health.

Improved Physical Health

Regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, other chronic illness, and even cold and flu! ^[5]In one study in the American Journal of Medicine, women who walked for a half-hour every day for 1 year had half the number of colds as those who didn’t exercise. Researchers found that regular walking may lead to a higher number of white blood cells, which fight infections.

Enriched Experiences

Exercise also makes us happy because it is an experience, rather than an item to own. According to a study by the ^[6]University of Texas, when people invest in experiences, they are significantly happier than when they purchase things. Engaging in fitness activities provides for richer, deeper experiences which are both challenging and rewarding.  

Even small amounts of physical activity are better than no physical activity at all. Finding something you like and can do regularly is more important than pushing yourself to do something you don’t enjoy.

It’s important to note that the benefits of exercise on happiness can vary among individuals. Factors such as personal preferences, fitness levels, and overall health can influence how exercise impacts an individual’s mood.

As a lifetime sport enthusiast, I trained in multiple Martial Arts, Wrestling, Dance and American Football and since starting ABPT Fitness, I have dedicated myself to improving fitness of everyone. We offer classes in person or online, one-to-one personal training, group training, boxing and more!

Why not come and have a chat about your goals, where you are now, and how we can get you there? We can discuss nutrition, the right exercises for you and create a plan to help you achieve your goals.

Book a Complimentary Consultation here

^[1] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-018-9976-0

^[2] https://medicalxpress.com/news/2010-09-young-teens-sports-healthier-happier.html

^[3] https://now.uiowa.edu/2019/08/new-study-suggests-exercise-good-aging-brain

^[4] https://www.researchgate.net/Physical_Activity_and_Reduced_Risk_of_Depression

^[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17071161/

^[6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022103119305256?via%3Dihub

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