The Positive Effects of Exercise on Mood

Physical activity leads to both types of a good mood, positive high (feeling alert, excited and happy) and low (being calm, content and relaxed) activation. You can build optimism along with muscles. People who exercise regularly tend to be more hopeful and have greater self-confidence than those who do not.

In addition to reducing stress, physical activity boosts positive, motivating emotions. Transforming one’s body through exercise can be a powerful, healing experience for someone in recovery. Reaching benchmarks and goals will reinforce his or her inner strength. The symptoms of depression, anxiety and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder can all be lessened through moderate workouts.

The Mayo Clinic refers to exercise as “meditation in motion.” The movements of a Spin class or lifting weights refocuses an individual’s thoughts on what is in front of him or her. Physical activity allows the release of nagging and/or negative thoughts and the forgetting of stresses and worries, at least for the short-term. People typically feel more energized and optimistic and have clearer minds following a workout.

Micro-sessions can be an effective way to add movement to your life. Perform any kind of exercise, including dancing to songs on your playlist, for 5 to 10 minutes at least once or twice a day. Make your social life more active by taking a yoga or other fitness class with a friend, going for a walk with your coffees in hand, or signing up for a charity walk or run with classmates.

Within 30 minutes of finishing exercising, snack on a combination of carbohydrates and protein, like apple slices with almond butter, Greek yogurt topped with granola or whole grain crackers with hummus. In addition, be sure to rehydrate with plenty of water. Remember that a significant boost in mood requires at least 20 minutes of exercise and the best type of workout is one that you actually will do.