Most people join a gym with the hopes of becoming leaner or stronger, but is it possible that another great result which can come from exercising regularly is becoming a generally happier person?
Mary Weider
According to an article written by the Huffington Post, studies show that people who are more physically active have greater feelings of excitement and enthusiasm than those who are less physically active. The study also shows that people have more pleasant feelings on days that they exercise. So why does exercise, something that is meant to improve your physical health, also make you a happier person? The answer is because of endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that are released from your body that promote feelings of happiness. They are produced during prolonged, continuous exercise. Endorphins can also reduce the perception of pain.
Not only can exercise make you feel happier, it is also a great stress reliever. Another role endorphins take on is reducing the negative effects felt from stress. I like to refer to CrossFit as my “cheap therapy.” Nothing feels better than going into the box after a long day and crushing a workout. Getting some physical activity in after a rough day at work can help you forget about anything irritable that may have happened. The tensions from throughout the day will start to leave as you focus on your work out and body movements, instead of whatever was bothering you or stressing you out previously that day.
Now that you have worked off all of the stress of the day, it will be easier to achieve a good night’s sleep. Sleep can be disrupted by stress and anxiety, but exercise, which we now know, can reduce or eliminate these issues, and will help to improve your sleep. Waking up after a good night of sleep will make you feel ready to take on the day, instead of dreading what is to come.
Another benefit of exercising includes an increase in self-confidence. When you feel better and you are more comfortable in your own skin, you will automatically feel happier and your everyday mood will increase!
CrossFit is a great example of an exercise program that benefits your mood. Whether it is PRing a lift, or just finishing a tough work out, you will always leave the box feeling like a brand new person with a huge smile on your face. By doing CrossFit you will achieve a greater sense of accomplishment after pushing yourself past limits that you didn’t even know were possible to go past!
If you want to become a happier, less-stressed person, come check out CrossFit Oshkosh this Saturday at noon for a free community workout. We guarantee you will leave in a better mood!
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