2011/09/14

Daily tip #11| Exercise does make you happy

Do you ever feel like you've acomplished something, and become more happy after workouts? Well, you're kind of forced to. Some even describe the post-workout feeling as euphoric.When you workout, you improve, get more fit and flexibe, those are not the only reasons why you're happy. A study from the American College of Sports Medicine has shown that just a basic 30 minute exercise session can really boost your mood and tackle depression seriously. This does sound familiar, doesn't it? If low or medium intensity exercise is all that’s needed to give yourself a boost, imagine what you can get out of intense exercise..

Now, there's sience behind this, there's three things that make this happen:

Serotonin: It is a neurotransmitter which makes us emotionally stable. Levels of serotonin rise high during exercise, meaning it boosts your confidence and makes you happier. Serotonin produces out of an tryptophan, which is found in bananas, cottage cheese (more reasons to love cheese),chicken, and baked potatoes. Serotonin is also responsible for your sleep and awake cycles, mood, libido and appetite. It is directly linked to feelings of depression and sadness.



Dopamine: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which makes us feel energised, motivated and upbeat. High levels of protein containing foods such as meat, milk, fish and beans help produce dopamine. Dopamine is factor in developing and strenghtening coordination and  muscle memory. Dopamine makes the brain associate happiness with exercise, your brain will then remember the feeling and will be encouraging your body to do exercise, in order to get more.


Phenylethylamine: An naturally occuring neurotransmitter found in the brain, it works as an mood enhancing stimulant, also aiding in the production of dopamine.



Endorphins: They bind to opioid receptors in your brains neurons, altering the number of neurotransmitters which are discharged. It reduces your central-nervous-systems' ability to receive electrical impulses of your nerves which mean pain, this means your body declines the feelings of discomfort, sadness and pain while working out.



So now you know, exercise is truly the key to happiness, not only will you look great - you'll feel better.

13 comments:

Hasidic Plumber said...

I really does. A quick workout in the morning before starting your day, will put you in a much much better mood and you will have a lot more energy throughout the day. Even if it's a short run.

my day in a sentence said...

I knew that! :)

Milky said...

Serotonin; A song by Mystery Jets.. It's awesome ><
Nice post!

dora said...

thanks for the info! you feel great after a good workout

Enigmatic Vapor said...

Good read, and I like the new blog design!

Mochileiro said...

I feel sad to know that I have to exercise to become happy.

neatfit said...

@George thanks a lot mate.
@Mochileiro you don't, but it will greatly help you get through past times, and if you continue to work out constantly, the base level of happiness will raise, meaning you'll be more lighter, friendlier and calmer.

@Hasidic Plumber that's absolutely true, even a 30 minute work-out can prevent heart diseases.

Anonymous said...

Personally I just jog my fat ass around the dam and back again. It's nice to have a nice long "track" of sorts nearby.

Gizmo said...

I didnt know there so much sience behind exercise, but I really do feel better/happier after gym..

ScrewsAndFeathers said...

Working out when you're feeling down is the way to go :).

AGA-KA said...

oh, maybe you're right. :) good idea.

indonesiatooverseas said...

nice info. it’s a simple and cheap way to be happy. thanksnice info. it’s a simple and cheap way to be happy. thanks

Anonymous said...

i alwaays feel sooo much betteer after working out!! :) thats whyy i try to go to the gym 5 times a week :)

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