Ok, it may not feel like it at the time when you’re struggling with your last reps or last mile but its true, exercise makes you happy.
Exercise releases the hormone serotonin, serotonin is the happy hormone which enhances feelings of well being and elevates mood, low levels of serotonin are associated with depression where as high levels improve happiness and mood. Exercise has been found to increase the rate and frequency at which serotonin is fired in the brain which in turn leads to an increase in the release and the synthesis of serotonin. The increase in release of the hormone elevates our mood making us feel happier.
Researchers have found that aerobic exercise increases the release of serotonin more than resistance training and 3 hours per week is enough to achieve an increase in the hormone levels. The 3 hours per week can be split into hour blocks, half hour blocks or 10 minute blocks over the week to achieve the increase in serotonin.
Serotonin is also influenced by sunlight and diet so taking your workout outdoors will give an extra boost of serotonin.
Keep exercising, keep smiling!
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