Habits of Happy People # 2: Exercise regularly
You must have heard that exercise regularly so that we can be healthy. But how does exercise makes us happy?
Exercise can help us stimulate the production of endorphins, which is the feel-good brain cells. Endorphins are chemicals the body releases when it is under stress. The endorphins interact with our brain and reduce our perception of pain. Therefore, it can help reduce our pain, stress (cortisol and adrenaline) and offer us a sense of well-being. Therefore, people usually feel more relaxed and optimistic after workouts.
How much exercise do we need to make us feel happy?
The University of Michigan research suggests that 10 minutes of exercise is linked to buoyant moods.
The University of Vermont conducted research that shows that 20 mins of exercise can boost someone's mood up to 12 hours!
The US Department of Health and Human Services suggests that people who exercise for 30-60 minutes three to five days a week get mental benefits.
So more movement usually leads to greater happiness.
BUT even a short stroll or light exercise can make us feel good.
Endorphins are usually associated with exercise, but we can also get endorphins through massage and laughers! So let's exercise more frequently, and laugh more often!
Source:
“Exercise | Pursuit of Happiness | Happiness Is Understandable, Obtainable, and Teachable.” Pursuit of Happiness, 13 Feb. 2021, www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/science-of-happiness/exercise/exercise1.
“The Science of Happiness & Positive Psychology - Habits of Happy People.” Pursuit of Happiness, www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/science-of-happiness.
Reynolds, Gretchen. “Even a Little Exercise Might Make Us Happier.” The New York Times, 3 May 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/05/02/well/move/even-a-little-exercise-might-make-us-happier.html.
“INFOGRAPHIC: Here’s Why Exercise Really Makes You Happier.” Happify.Com, 2020, www.happify.com/hd/exercise-and-happiness-infographic.
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