The positive link between exercise and mood.
How often do you get bad days, don't have the energy to do what you need to do, and feel under the weather this time of the year? Shorter days, less sunlight and low temperatures affect us more than we expect each day in the winter. Skip the Winter Blues, afternoon naps, extra cups of coffee, and exercise to boost mood naturally.
The Exercise Effect
Have you ever wondered why people exercise regularly? Exercise not only boosts your body’s fitness but also your mood, naturally contributing to your overall health and well-being. Many studies have been conducted to understand the link between exercise and mood. Research clearly shows that exercise is one of the best natural mood boosters.
The reasons why are the following:
- Physical activity provides biochemical changes in the brain by increasing the concentration of endorphins and serotonin. Endorphins and serotonin are our body's natural hormones, very often called “happy chemicals” that get released when we are doing something that requires a burst of energy. The mood-lifting hormones responsible for “runner’s high”, make you feel good about life and yourself. You feel more positive and better able to deal with upcoming situations.
- Exercise improves cardiovascular health, allowing greater endurance throughout the day. Thanks to better heart’s health you can easily do your daily activities. You have leftover energy and not feel so tired when work is done.
- Exercise allows you to get better-quality sleep. Research shows that physical activity, associated with a significant reduction in the severity of insomnia symptoms, boost your mood naturally [A study published in April 2015 in the Journal of Sleep Research].
- Physical activity is an effective tool providing a distraction from your worries. The less stressed you are the happier your life is. When your exercise nerve cells grow and make new connections, improving brain function making you feel better. Exercising helps to relax the muscles and relieve tension in the body. Since the body and mind are so closely linked, when your body feels better, so is your mind.
The challenge of getting started
When it comes to exercise, the Nike slogan, “Just do it,” really fits. Just put yourself in the right mindset. Remember you can boost your mood naturally by picking a workout or fitness class that you enjoy. Just let exercise become a part of your lifestyle and see the difference.
Come and join us here at The Box London. We create a safe space for anyone who wants to get fit and boost mood naturally. We exercise in the most effective and comfortable way you can imagine. Widen your social circle and strengthen your bonds with people, you will feel happier. Pop in and give it a go. You won’t regret it! There is a wide range of classes to choose from. Check them here.
Comments