6 Ways Exercise Improves Your Quality of Life

Have you ever felt like you weren't firing on all cylinders? You have to hit all the traffic lights, get stuck behind one person who has never been to Starbucks and ask about the difference between a latte and a cafe mocha. And, despite the usual bright and attractive tendencies, you feel "good."

Even with the positive view that you're always looking at the glass half full, new terms like "social distancing" and "house shelter" have us all dealing with it a bit of stress in the landfill. And "flattening the curve" feels like that almost every day.

It's easy to give up exercise when you're not feeling 100%, but there are many reasons why exercise is the best thing you can do to change your mood. Another way to look at it is when was the last time you had a "happy day" at the gym or health club instead of a "chest day" or "leg day"?

1. Exercise is more than just building your muscles

Exercise isn't just about burning calories. Regular physical activity plays an important role in mental health and helps improve mood on days when the world is going wrong.

It's important to know that not only do you look good, but regular exercise can also make you feel better. Here are six ways exercise can help you change your mood and make you feel better.

2. Strengthen oxygen flow.

Muscles need oxygen. When we exercise, the heart and lungs function to pump oxygenated blood to the skeletal muscles. Regular exercise can increase the number of capillaries that send oxygenated blood to all parts of the body. As more tissues develop their ability to receive and use oxygen, it feels "charged" and full of energy.

3. Improve brain function.

During exercise, not only the muscles but also the brain receive a steady flow of oxygenated blood. Exercise increases levels of BDNF, a protein that helps build brain cells and increases the transmission of nervous system signals through the brain known as neural patterning. This is why a properly challenging training session can leave you feeling energetic and spiritually sharp. In addition, you can develop new neural pathways and improve cognitive function by taking different classes, trying out new training programs, and participating in competitive games. Think of neural patterns as carpet wear patterns.

4. Around other people-in fact almost!

Being around other people: It is well known that positive social interactions are one way to deal with a depressed mood. With the advent of mobile technology, we become obsessed with interacting with our devices and can forget to take the time to interact with people in real life. Being in the gym surrounded by other people taking group fitness classes or simply working towards the same goal of improving health helps to connect with others which is an important element of mental health. Being around other people who do similar activities is a great way to connect with like-minded people. You can improve your mood and outlook by making exercise a fun activity, such as taking a fitness class on a sunny day or taking a walk in the park with friends.

5. Help you sleep better

How wonderful do you feel after a good night's sleep? Sleep is an important element of good mental health as our body repairs itself after the challenges of the day. A good night's sleep is important for your brain to recharge and refresh. Regular exercise can improve the quality of your sleep and make you feel better throughout the day.

6. Produces pleasant chemicals for your body

Exercise increases your energy levels and increases the levels of chemicals in your body that are responsible for promoting positive feelings. Neurotransmitters are chemicals produced by nerve cells that are used to signal other cells to trigger certain functions. In addition to BDNF, both aerobic and anaerobic exercise increase levels of epinephrine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. All of this affects not only energy levels, but also thoughts and emotions. Epinephrine and norepinephrine work to increase energy levels. Increased levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are supplied to the brain's hedonic centers, are the reason why many people can feel great or even a little "high" after a challenging workout.