Fitness mantra: Five proven ways that exercise can help make you happier

Do you feel happier after exercise? Heard of the saying ‘runners high’? Well, it turns out exercise can really make you happier. 

Despite the fact that one in four of us will experience mental illness, and despite that most of us are aware that exercise can help ease the symptoms, many of us are still pretty inactive.

Here are five ways in which exercise can help improve your mental health.

 Acts as a natural medication fordepression: Go for a run or walk outside with a friend. For depression, workouts that are high intensity and greater in length work the best. Working out with a companion keeps you accountable and inspired, and being outdoors gives you the benefit of natural light therapy.

 Lowers anxiety levels: Seek out low to moderate intensity exercises that are not competitive since high-intensity exercise can actually increase anxiety symptoms. It is important to start slowly, avoiding vigorous activity right away, and work your way up to it. Swimming is a great exercise to try because it combines cardio benefits with a sense of relaxation.

 Lifts a bad mood — really fast: Cardio is best to get out of a slump because of its ability to raise your heart rate and get you moving. Biking is a great way to get your heart rate up while also boosting your spirits by being outside in nature and enjoying the day.

 Boosts your self-esteem: Find an exercise that eliminates space for any kind of negativity. Yoga or Pilates are great exercises because they are meditative and really help you focus on yourself for a while and leave all your worries behind.

 Strengthens relationships: Exercising with a family member leads to healthier communication in that particular relationship. Get out and play catch with your children or simply take a daily walk with your partner to chat about your day. Whatever you choose to do, make sure the activity is not too vigorous; communication needs to be involved.