Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it also has a positive effect on your mental well-being. As far as we're concerned, it's a big win-win. But what exactly are those mental benefits? Below we discuss five reasons why exercise contributes to a happier life. Put on your sneakers and go!
1 - Feel good fabrics
During exercise, various neurotransmitters are released, such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. These 'feel good substances' improve your mood and give a feeling of happiness and euphoria. Endorphins are known as a natural painkiller and can give a feeling of happiness. Serotonin, often called the happiness hormone, also regulates your mood and sleep. Dopamine stimulates motivation and feelings of reward. This cocktail of neurotransmitters is activated after about twenty to thirty minutes of exercise. Just take a pre-workout and you'll be past those 30 minutes in no time, and you'll feel better than ever. So done!
2 - Helps against stress
Exercise can be an effective way to reduce stress. By being physically active, you break worrying behavior and focus on the moment, such as the movement or your breathing. This can help clear your head and stimulate creativity. In addition, exercise can reduce the production of the stress hormone cortisol.
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3 - Increase your self-confidence
Regular exercise can give your self-confidence a huge boost. Achieving sporting goals, improving your performance and seeing physical changes can all contribute to a more positive self-image. This can express itself in how you see yourself and how you feel.
4 - Better sleep
Exercise stimulates the production of serotonin, which can then be converted into melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep. A good night's sleep is essential for a positive mood and energy during the day. Exercise can therefore indirectly help you sleep better, which in turn leads to more happiness.
5 - Meeting new people
Social contact is an important factor for happiness. Exercise, especially in groups, offers opportunities to meet new people and build relationships. This is possible in team sports, but also in individual sports where you train in a group setting. Exercising together can also be motivating, and the social aspect of it contributes to your overall happiness.
Have fun exercising!
Image: Unsplash
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