How Exercise Affect Your Mood?
How Exercise Affect Your Mood?Many people have heard of an association between exercise and depression, but have they actually found concrete proof that exercising affects mood?
In fact, many studies have proven that regular exercise increases feelings of happiness, boosts the immune system and helps to fight depression.
Studies have shown that regular exercise increases levels of happiness, improves mood, and decreases feelings of anxiety and depression in people who participate in aerobic activities.
A study conducted by the University of Toronto revealed that participants in a group exercise class were happier after three months of the program than those who participated in a group exercise class without any additional benefits.
Another study by the University of Florida revealed that participants in an eight-week aerobic program were much happier than those who did not exercise at all.
Exercise improves mood as well, because it increases the body’s serotonin levels. This chemical, also called nor epinephrine, has an important role in how the brain responds to stress and can help the body to maintain normal moods.
Exercise does this by raising levels of serotonin and decreasing anxiety and depression, which is exactly what happens when people are depressed.
While it is not yet clear how much exercise does affect mood, there is a definite correlation between eating a healthy diet and being happier. A study conducted by the University of Chicago revealed that participants in a group exercise program .
who ate a healthy diet had a significantly lower likelihood of developing depression or having a serious depressive episode over a four year period compared to those who did not eat a healthy diet.
Eating a healthy diet can benefit everyone. People who live with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and obesity all benefit from eating a healthy diet. The University of Chicago study also showed that people who ate a diet rich in vegetables and whole grains were happier, healthier and less likely to become depressed over a four year period.
There are also studies that show that women who have babies are happier than those who do not have babies.
Being a happy person does not just have to be a result of good eating and exercise. As we age, the body can take on certain unhealthy changes that contribute to a sense of sadness and lack of joy in our lives.
But as the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” the good news is that our bodies can protect us from these things and still lead a joyful, contented life.