Does exercising really make you feel happier?

[Yesits_GalaxyHotChoc]

I've heard that any form of physical exercise releases endorphins which then trigger happy hormones of some sort making you happier in general?

Yep its true!

No its not

[cavmanier]

It helps me get rid of stress and it gives me more energy overall. It doesn't really make me happy in the moment necessarily, but I bet endorphins are released and when added cumulatively have really improved my overall mood. It's a way for me to find an equilibrium of balance apposed to chaos and influence outside of the gym.

I have done some reading about how effective it can be with helping with depression. It's something like as effective as antidepressants. I really love natural ways to improve health that can be used instead of medications.

[Dtegesd123]

yep, I always workout before a night out. I just feel like a million bucks and have all the confidence in the world. Unless I'm doing lower body

[GirlScout]

It will help boost your energy and can ease aches and pains if done gently, I'm not sure about the chemistry behind it but I feel physically better for having worked out hard, can't say I feel emotionally happier though.

Exercise affects people in many different ways, contrary to belief it isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, many people won't respond as you'd expect to exercise and that won't make them happy, that will make them sad.

[Possible_Mate]

yeah, it's really relaxing, because you only have the ability to focus on whats going on around you and what you are doing, so it's a really great way to give your brain a break. plus it gets your body's energy flowing. it's kinda like putting your body though the wash. you feel clean, refreshed, and tired and sweaty afterward and it makes having a shower 10x better than normal XD

[Levin]

It seems to be helpful to get back into the body, given we're already a society far over-weighted towards mind based activity. Also, 'vigour' is said to keep 'grief' in check in Chinese medicine. In short, keeping moving is good for the lungs ''chi' speaking (which obviously feeds down into the physical organism and is good for one's sense of wellbeing).

[justbanANNAz]

100% true. u just need to remain consistent. it's crazy how much exercise can improve ur overall quality of life.

[LittleSally]

It does if you do it to music and if you do something you really enjoy. If nothing motivates you and you hate what you're doing - they can't make you happy.

[performerwannabe]

It depends on the person. It does make me a lot happier but I know a lot of people (e. g. my mom) who walk for 10 minutes and then complain about it for an hour.

[clw643]

Yes and no, I've been working out 2 to 4 times every week for the last 2 and half years and I'm still quite miserable. Yea sometimes I do feel better right after exercising but feelings of emptiness and despair have always come creeping back into my mind.

[Humping_Tornadoes]

Yes it does. Picture yourself a week sitting your butt in a couch eating cheerios. Then go outside feeling like you did nothing, no energy, probably gained some weight and zero confidence, specially after looking at your reflection in the mirror.

Workouts have the complete opposite effect.

[CrystalMaryRose]

I go jogging 2.5 miles every morning, not only does it boost my energy levels it helps me clear my head and gives me a positive outlook for the rest of my day.

[lePoivre]

I always feel better after I workout and I feel like crap on the days I don't. I don't think exercise automatically means happiness, but it helps.

[ConsultantIsBack]

Yes. It releases endorphins but furthermore, from working out you can check out your beautiful bod anytime, so it's like this perpetual cycle of feeling amazing

[RainbowFanGirl]

Yes. When I'm depressed I always go and work out. I feel much better afterwards.

[Homicidal_Queen]

Exercising personally makes me want to curl up in a ball and die.
But that's just me.

[FrenchEmma]

Me too

[StrangeDude20]

It took me a long time after getting my gym membership to realize that I do enjoy working out but I take my ipod with me frequently to help get me through it. I do feel crumby if I skip.

[NerdInDenial]

The pain feels good and when I feel stronger, I feel better about myself.

[Jaden69]

It's not working out, but rather the results that I get from working out that makes me happy

[Prof_Don]

Yes, exercises makes my mood increase for the better. :)

[nakedalligator]

I'm always in a better mood when I regularly exercise.

[Tomsta]

I releases serotonin otherwise known as the feel good hormone

[metalhead1281]

Yesh it does. It helps keep your body healthy. A healthy body means a healthy mind, and a happier you!

[Complicated-Soul]

Yeah! But the second day hurts.

[apple24]

Yes it does I feel stronger and powerful!