Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Published : September 29, 2015 6:39 PM IST
Sure you know that exercising is one of the best ways to keep you healthy. It makes you stronger and keeps your weight in check. But did you know that exercising can make you a happier person? Here s how:
Increases dopamine in the brain
Exercising can give the much-needed boost to your mood. It is one of the best ways to increase the production of the chemical dopamine in the brain that is related to the feelings of pleasure and happiness [1].
Lowers anxiety and depression
Recent studies have shown that those who suffer from long-term anxiety and depression can get mood-boosting benefits of exercising. Exercising helps decrease the production of the stress-related hormone cortisol in the body [2].
Makes you energetic
You will be lying if you say that you don t feel energised after your workout. Exercising is an excellent energy booster, and more energy can keep you happier [3]. It also boosts your heart health that helps you to have better endurance throughout the day.
Boosts your self-confidence
Exercising will not only keep those kilos off but will also keep your confidence high. Just creating an exercise plan and sticking to it will allow you to enjoy the sense of achievement. You will automatically become more confident when you see your body transforming.
Helps you get better sleep
Exercising is a great way to unwind after a hard day and relax. Regular exercise can improve the quality of your sleep helping you to wake up happy in the morning. According to a study published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine Reviews [4], exercising helped you sleep better by increasing your total sleep time.
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[1]Wang GJ, Volkow ND, Fowler JS, Franceschi D, Logan J, Pappas NR, Wong CT, Netusil N. PET studies of the effects of aerobic exercise on human striatal dopamine release. J Nucl Med. 2000 Aug;41(8):1352-6. PubMed PMID: 10945526.
[2] Smits JA, Berry AC, Rosenfield D, Powers MB, Behar E, Otto MW. Reducing anxiety sensitivity with exercise. Depress Anxiety. 2008;25(8):689-99. doi:10.1002/da.20411. PubMed PMID: 18729145.
[3] Hunter GR, Weinsier RL, Bamman MM, Larson DE. A role for high intensity exercise on energy balance and weight control. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1998 Jun;22(6):489-93. Review. PubMed PMID: 9665667.
[4] Exercise and sleep. Driver, Helen S. et al. Sleep Medicine Reviews, Volume 4, Issue 4, 387 402
