Exercise = Happiness
March 20th is one of the best days of the year - International Day of Happiness.
Did you know that even just 10 minutes of exercise a day is helpful for a quick boost in your physical and mental health? On top of that, new research shows people who set aside time to exercise are actually happier than those who don’t.
How?
Well, exercise improves mood and boosts happiness in several ways:
- Increased serotonin production.
- Decreased stress hormones.
- Prolonged lifespan.
A.K.A Exercise = Happiness.
Not only are those who exercise happier (75 percent vs. 25 percent), but they also report being more successful (74 percent vs. 26 percent), as revealed by the survey of 2,000 who exercise at least once a week.
If you’re facing a tough day and want an immediate mood boost, add 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise to your morning routine. Science highlights this as a favoured formula for instant mood enhancement – quickly sparking an endorphin high, while the positive effects can last up to 12 hours.
If there is one thing you can do today to give you an extra pep in your step – get that heart rate up with some exercise! Your body, mind and career will thank you!
If that's not enough, our mates at Les Mills have collated some INCREDIBLE articles to help you understand the power of exercise and happiness!
Click here to learn more about how exercise can make you a happier soul, or to better understand the science behind happiness, check out the Journal of Happiness or read the following articles:
- How to be happy
- Is great music the key to feeling happy?
- How to win at work and be happy at home
- How food affects mood
- 5 ways to fizz when you’re feeling flat
Looking for a 15-minute at-home workout that requires no equipment to get the endorphins pumping?
Let’s Warm Up
- Push-ups – 30 seconds – No rest
- Jump lunges – 30 seconds – No rest
- Squats – 30 seconds – No rest
- Complete 2 rounds to start feeling that blood pumping!
- After 2 rounds, rest for 60 seconds.
Main Workout
- Push-ups – 45 seconds – Rest 15 seconds
- Jump lunges – 45 seconds – Rest 15 seconds
- Squats – 45 seconds – Rest 15 seconds
- Complete 3 rounds
- After 3 rounds, rest for an extra 30 seconds.
Finisher
- Plank hold – 30 seconds – No rest
- Sit-ups – 30 seconds – No rest
- Plank hold – 30 seconds
Pop on your fav playlist, set it to loud and ENJOY!!