We all know that exercise is good for you, keeps you active, keeps weight in check, makes you stronger, healthier and all those other good things. For us, the fact that it can make you a happier person is the biggest motivation to get up and active. So with our hashtag #getGYactive in mind, we have compiled some of our favourite benefits of moving more.
A good work out and staying active on a regular basis, you’ll notice, makes you feel better, less anxious and generally happier.
1. The release of ‘happy’ chemicals in your brain.
Dopamine, a chemical that plays a role in happiness, is a neurotransmitter in the brain that’s necessary for feelings of pleasure and happiness.
So, increase dopamine production with exercise, jump, run, disco, parkrun, walk, swim however you do it and whatever you do, make sure it makes you happy!
2. It reduces stress and anxiety
Not only will working out ease stress in the short term by helping you sweat out the day's worries, but regular exercise will also help you become less stressed out in the long term as well.
That’s because when you exercise, you’re subjecting yourself to a low-level form of stress by raising your heart rate and triggering a burst of hormonal changes. When you subject yourself to the stress of exercise enough, your body will eventually get better at handling the rest of life's stressors. Less stress equals a happier, healthier life.
3. It energises you!
Even on the days where you feel like you can’t move from the sofa; you’re tired from a long day and the last thing you want to do is exercise - it’s at that point you need to muster your energy because you’re very likely to feel MORE energised by going and getting all those feel-good chemicals running. More energy equals greater happiness.
4. It’s a confidence booster
We all have body hang-ups and when you don’t feel good about yourself it’s all too easy to impact on your self-esteem. In turn, this can have a negative impact on so many areas of your life – relationships, career, friendships, goals and dreams. However, we believe that with exercise and dedication seeing transformation will not only improve your relationship with your body but help you feel stronger, more confident and more in charge of your goals.
5. It eases anxiety
If you suffer from anxiety, exercise can support relief from it.
Studies* show that in people suffering from anxiety the immediate boost from exercise is followed by longer-term relief on a par with some mediation and therapies. So, if you feel anxious, try a gentle work out and see if it helps to boost your
6. Sleep
If you have trouble sleeping exercise can help with that. Rather than reaching for medication, staying active and exercising regularly has been shown to improve sleep for those with sleep disorders.
7. Connecting with people – doing group or team activities can help you meet new and like-minded people and make new friends.
Thanks to mind.org.uk for the source of information regarding anxiety and NHS.uk for information on hormone release and depression/stress studies.
