The Mind and Body Connection: Why Exercise Improves Your Mood

Happy workout
Photo by April Laugh on Unsplash

If you’ve been feeling like you’re in a funk, not sleeping well, or just overly stressed, it may be time to develop a habitual workout routine. Numerous studies continue to find that a direct link between the body and mind. Keep reading for three ways in which exercise can boost your mood.

Dopamine Release

A good workout has the power to release what are known as happy hormones, in the form of dopamine and endorphins. At least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, has the power to boost this dopamine and improve your day. Physical activity also helps release serotonin, your mood regulators, which is very helpful for treating anxiety and depression.

Better Sleep

Regular exercise also improves your quality of sleep, which has numerous health benefits alone. Improved sleep quality can help reduce stress and reduces insomnia, leaving you more energized, focused, and ready to take on the day.

Stress-Reducing

A regular workout, whether its in a class, at the park, or on treadmill has the power to take your mind off every-day stresses and anxiety, keeping your head and your heart in the moment. Mood boosting music coupled with the great energy of a class and instructor also has the power to put you in a happy, and cathartic place.

Improved Self-Esteem

Energy enhancing workouts can also improves your self-esteem and overall mood, as crushing fitness goals does. That feeling of accomplishment after a great work can bolster every day mood, mitigate stress and anxiety, and give us a great feeling of achievement.