A Workout a Day Keep You Bad Mood Away: Why Exercise Helps Improve Your Mood

Happy people don’t just happen.
When it comes to maintaining good mental health, exercise is important. In fact, it’s just as important as eating healthy and getting enough sleep. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.

How Does Exercise Help Boost Your Mood?
Exercise has a direct impact on the brain. It increases levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These are brain chemicals that have mood-boosting effects. Serotonin, in particular, is associated with happiness and can help to improve your mood.

Dopamine is another important neurotransmitter that’s affected by exercise. Dopamine is often referred to as the “reward chemical” because it’s released when you do something that makes you feel good. Eating a delicious meal or spending time with someone you love can cause a release of dopamine. Exercise can also cause a release of dopamine, which is one reason why it’s so effective at improving your mood.

Norepinephrine is another neurotransmitter that’s affected by exercise. Norepinephrine is considered a stress hormone because it’s released in response to stress. When norepinephrine levels are too high, it can cause anxiety and other negative feelings. However, moderate amounts of norepinephrine are necessary for proper brain function. Exercise helps to regulate norepinephrine levels, which can help to improve your mood and overall mental health.

If you’re feeling down, a workout might be just what you need. Exercise has mood-boosting effects thanks to the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. So next time you’re feeling low, put on your sneakers and go for a walk or run—your mood will thank you for it!