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Happiness is a state of wellbeing and contentment and is something that should be cultivated. So much so that many people spend their entire life searching for happiness. And whether you are one of those people or not, you will probably agree that adding more happiness to your life is something you should aspire to do. And it really isn’t that hard to do.
There is a simple solution that might be a game changer; adding movement into your life. Movement or exercise has the ability to boost your happiness. A study by the British Medical Journal suggests that movement can even help people with depression and anxiety disorders feel happier.
That’s because endorphins, the brain chemicals that are released during exercise, can cause feelings of positivity and sometimes even euphoria, reported CNN. That’s the amazing natural high people feel after exercising.
So in the spirit of bringing more joy and positivity into your life, here are five exercises you can try that have the ability to boost your happiness levels.
Strength Training
According to the Times of India, strength training exercises such as weight lifting are great for a mood boost. This type of physical activity could increase your testosterone levels and this could increase positive feelings and may even reduce negative ones. For those reasons, people who suffer from depression can likely benefit from strength training.
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Swimming
Who doesn't love to jump into the pool when it is hot outside? Swimming as exercise is not only enjoyable but also helps lower levels of depression or prevents relapsing into a depressed state according to Healthline. Swimming is unique because it provides a complete full-body workout, literally from head to toes. It is so good for your body and can also help you get into a meditative and calm mood, which water tends to do.
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Running
Running and jogging, explains the Times of India, are types of cardiovascular exercises. That means these exercises are good for your heart. Like with strength training, when doing these exercises, endorphins are released, giving you an extra happiness kick.
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Tennis
Playing tennis or other group sports such as netball or footy can do wonders for your mood, according to a blog on Fitness Education. Plus, there is a social aspect as well. Sharing the exercise experience with someone else, which is necessary in sports like tennis, pickleball and so many others, could create a happy and supportive environment which can do wonders to your overall physical and mentalhealth.
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Yoga
Low intensity exercise such as yoga helps you release endorphins, according to The Guardian. You don’t need to do a daily marathon or go to the gym for hours every week to get the psychological benefits of exercise. With yoga, happiness can be a calm few minutes away.
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