How exercise makes you happy

Any guy who has ever been dumped knows the best way to get over it… hit the gym… hard.  Exercise is nature’s way of making us happy, but why does the brain react so strongly to exercise that it can drag us from the depths of depression to being bright, happy and cheerful?  

When you exercise

We are supposed to spend the day resting and only move when we really have to, kind of like sloths, so when we do move our brains automatically go back to a primal state and believe that we are desperately trying to flee some unseen danger like a massive prehistoric monster that will eat you if it can just catch up with you.  Because of this danger your brain will release:

• Endorphin’s
• Serotonin
• BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)

Endorphins are responsible for controlling pain and will leave you feeling euphoric after exercising.  Serotonin is a natural mood enhancer and is designed to lift your spirits.  BDNF is a protein that enhances your neurones, making you slightly smarter.  Most likely this is designed in such a way that you will remember how to survive this terrible prehistoric danger if you were to face the same situation in the future. Endorphins are responsible for controlling pain and will leave you feeling euphoric after exercising. Click To Tweet  

Benefits of strenuous exercise

• Heightened self-esteem
• Reduced stress
• Better sleep patterns
• Reduced anxiety
• Increased energy levels
• Lowers blood pressure
• Stronger bones
• Healthier heart

 

What exercise should I do?

It doesn’t really matter what you do, as long as you throw your heart and soul into it.  Exercise should be strenuous.  You should really feel the burn by the time you’re finished.  Don’t just concentrate on weights training, you must do some form of cardio also like cycling or running. Ensure that you get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, 5-6 days a week.  Having a day off is vital or you will quickly burn yourself out.  Do not fall for the expensive hype. You don’t need any kind of ridiculously expensive gym membership.  It should cost nothing to run around the block a few times per day.  Most gyms are too full, which means you will spend most of your time just waiting around to get a machine.  Other gyms offer far too many comforts like swimming pools, Jacuzzi and spa facilities.  You should not be there to wait endlessly for equipment or to relax.