Hunched over at the computer, you become aware of the crick in your neck, and the tension spreading across your lower back. Grumpy and frustrated, pushing back from the desk, you stand, breathe deep, and stretch. Relief flows through your body and you notice tension leaving your thoughts and joints. You feel revitalized.
Unexpected Ways Movement Benefits
Your Happiness
(cnet.com)
"Movement itself primes you to connect with others. That's just the brain chemistry of it. When you get your heart rate up when you use your body, when you engage your muscles, it changes your brain chemistry in a way that makes it easier to connect with others and bond, trust other people. It enhances social pleasures like a high five, laughing or a hug," health psychologist Kelly McGonigal
Exercise isn't just good for your body, it also helps the brain produce more dopamine. Here's how it affects your mental health.
Exercise can help boost your confidence
"When you move with other people it creates a strong sense of 'bigger than self' possibility that makes people feel more optimistic and empowered," McGonigal said. "And it allows people to feel more empowered about facing the challenges in their own lives. And that's an interesting side benefit of moving with other people, because there's an embodied sense of 'we're in this together' that translates into self-confidence and the ability to take on challenges in your life."
Exercise helps reduce anxiety and depression
Exercise is also shown to help some people with depression, which experts say could be to due an increase in nerve cell growth in the brain that happens when you exercise.
Another chemical that is shown to help relieve stress and boost happiness is myokine, which your body creates when your muscles contract.
Exercising outdoors has an effect on your brain similar to meditation
In McGonigal's research, she found that exercising outdoors can have a similar effect on the brain and mood as meditation.
"Exercising outdoors has an immediate effect on mood that is extremely powerful for depression and anxiety. Because it induces a state in your brain that is very similar to meditation, the state of open awareness," McGonigal said.
Una Vida offers weekly classes designed to soothe and stretch your mind and body all while building your community.
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