Does Working Out Make Us Happier?

When done regularly, exercise has so many benefits for your mind, body, and general health. This ranges from an improvement in your fitness level, to burning calories, and improving your immune system. Evidence shows a direct link between happiness and working out.

During workouts, the brain’s hypothalamus releases hormones (known as endorphins, adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin) into the blood stream. These hormones help improve one’s mood and therefore increase our happiness levels, and are commonly referred to as the body’s ‘feel good chemicals’.

When these chemicals are released into the body during exercise, they subdue stress hormones (cortisol) present in our blood, while also lowering their production levels. As a result this helps in reducing our levels of stress.

The hormones released during exercise are also known as ‘painkillers’, this is because they give us a feeling of general well-being and euphoria. Actually, the hormones can be strong enough to literally mask pain. This is the reason those who exercise regularly enjoy good mental health, in addition to recuperating fast from symptoms of stress and depression.

Aerobic, strength, and cardiovascular fitness exercises (yes pole dancing is included in this group) are the best form of workouts for triggering the release of these ‘happy hormones’ into the bloodstream.

For all of you beginners out there, don’t think that ‘mood boosting’ through exercise is only attained from doing more advanced workouts. All levels of exercise can help boost the release of the endorphin hormones. The key is to stay consistent and ensure you keep raising the intensity over time. However, for full benefits of regular workouts, your exercise should last at least 30 minutes, and be done on a daily basis.

To be honest, there is one benefit I truly love about doing regular exercise, and I’m sure you will all love this one too. It’s that I can enjoy guilt free desserts/chocolates once or twice a week. Yes; its important to have balance.

Lastly, there is one thing I want you all to remember, and this is the most important part for me. The whole idea is to have as much fun as possible during your workouts, and to be happy, to laugh, and enjoy yourself.

You’re guaranteed to feel amazing!