The way you manage stress, eat, sleep, and even the way you move your body can have a significant impact on your health—and your happiness. You know that feeling of empowerment and relaxation you get when you finish a workout? Well, there’s a scientific name for it: exercise-induced endorphin rush. Endorphins aren’t the only reason exercise can make you feel healthier and happier though.
Regular exercise has many benefits; moving your body could give you the mood boost you need. Here are the top five ways exercising can make you happier.
1: Exercise is a Natural Mood Booster
Very few things have such a positive and immediate effect on the body the same way exercise does. In fact, exercise can improve your mood in as little as five minutes. When you exercise, your body produces more feel-good and stress-relieving chemicals, including:
- Endorphins
- Dopamine
- Adrenaline
- Myokine
- Norepinephrine
- Serotonin
These brain chemicals support stress relief and improve mood, confidence, and focus. For example, endorphins are released when you exercise, and these feel-good chemicals can reduce pain sensations while supporting feelings of happiness.
When you get into your exercise routine, your body will also release dopamine, known as the “reward chemical”. That post-workout, feel-good feeling combined with a strong sense of accomplishment can instantly elevate your mood. However, the results aren’t short-lived. In fact, you can experience the mood-boosting effects of workouts for days after your sweat session ends.
2: Increase Your Confidence
A Gallup poll found that nearly 50% of people who don’t work out stated they don’t feel good about their physical appearance. The study also found that people who worked out for 30 minutes every day in the last week were more confident about their appearance than those who only worked out once a week.
There is a strong correlation between exercise and happiness, and an increase in self-confidence is one of the contributing factors. When you start seeing results from all of your hard work, you’ll experience a strong sense of accomplishment. Seeing your body get stronger and leaner each week is also a great visual reminder of the progress that you’re making.
3: Exercise Encourages Healthy Habits
A consistent exercise routine, like regular attendance at your local group fitness class, supports healthy habits. One study found that sticking to an exercise routine led people to eat more fruits and vegetables.
When you start an exercise program, you’re more likely to make healthier food choices, drink more water, and adopt other good-for-you habits. These habits can give you a newfound sense of well-being that supports your health, confidence, and happiness.
4: You’ll Make New Friends
There are a variety of benefits to exercise; one is making new friends. Working out with a friend is scientifically proven to give you some extra motivation. In addition, when you join a group training class, like the ones we offer at Fit Body Boot Camp, you’ll meet like-minded people on the same fitness journey.
Working out in a group makes the process a lot of fun and helps the time pass quickly. Having a social element to your sweat sessions also builds a sense of community and accountability.
5: You’ll Feel Healthier
Exercise is excellent for your mental health but can be equally beneficial for your physical health. Regular exercise can increase life expectancy, improve cardiovascular function, and help you sleep better. When you feel rested and healthier, you may also feel happier.
Regular exercise is a proven way to manage weight, create lean muscle growth, and support a balanced immune system.
Exercise can be a great solution if you want to proactively manage your health or take preventative steps. However, it is wise to check with your doctor if you are thinking of starting a new workout program.
Next Steps to a Happier, Healthier You
Are you tired of feeling tired? Looking for a push to get back on track and start feeling healthier, happier, and more confident? If you are looking for a new workout routine but don’t know where to start, Fit Body Boot Camp can help.
Our fun, 30-minute boot camp workouts are designed for all fitness levels. You will burn twice as many calories within half the time of traditional exercises. Plus, you’ll make new friends in the process.
If you truly desire to start feeling better, join a class at your local Fit Body Boot Camp. Your first three classes are free. Contact an FBBC near you to learn more.
