The act of working out has risen in popularity in recent decades. While people have been doing it since the beginning of time (in a variety of different forms), the popular “gym-rat” aesthetic has taken hold of our society in a way that’s arguably unprecedented. There are many reasons for this, but one reason is that people love how it positively affects their mental health. Here’s why working out can actually make you happier.
Release of Endorphins
From a purely scientific perspective, working out is doing wonders for your mental health. Aerobic exercises are incredibly good as triggering the release of endorphins. This is significant because endorphins are often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, and they can act as painkillers and elevators.
Reduced Stress
In addition to triggering endorphins in a positive way, working out also acts as a crucial defensive system towards stress. Stress hormones such as cortisol are reduced when you work out, making exercise a great way to feel better almost by default.
Enhanced Self-Esteem
Finally, there’s also just the logical aspect that correlates working out with feeling better. When you work out, you feel better about yourself for a variety of reasons. You recognize that you’ve accomplished something, and you may even be happier seeing your physique change for the better.
