10 Regular Physical Activities to Improve Your Mood

Regular exercise is good for your heart, increases muscle mass, helps with mobility and has multiple other benefits. But did you know that exercise does more than improve your health and fitness? It also improves your mood. Yes, that’s right, recent studies have found a relation between regular exercise and mood enhancement. A small exercise like jogging can also help you enhance your mood and reduce stress. In this blog, we will understand the benefits of regular exercise to improve your mood.

Here are the 10 Best Physical Activities to Improve Your Mood

1. Cardio

Cardio activities have been proven to improve your mood as performing cardio activities releases endorphins in your body. Endorphin is a hormone that has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. You don’t have to perform high intensity training to get your cardio, simple brisk walking, jogging, jumping ropes and basic stretches are also sufficient to release endorphins and improve your mood.

2. Yoga

The secret to how yoga helps to reduce stress and enhance mood is breathing. Breathing is an integral part of yoga both in exercise and meditation. Yoga breathing techniques help to regulate the parasympathetic nervous system. If the parasympathetic nervous system is more relaxed, it can be easier to manage emotions. Yoga also helps to release endorphins in the body which can improve mood and decrease anxiety.

3. Dancing

When you see people dancing, they always seem happy. Dancing is one of the best physical activities to reduce stress no matter what type of dancing. Research also suggests that dancing with someone releases more endorphins than dancing alone. Nevertheless, dancing remains one of the best physical exercises to enhance your mood and stress. So. If you are not someone who doesn’t enjoy dancing, then may be its time to rethink.

4. Cycling

Cycling is also a great way to improve your mood. Cycling in a local park or on a scenic route or to your workplace can help to enhance your mood. Cycling is a great way to stay fit and improve your health. Cycling helps your body manage cortisol, a stress hormone. Cycling can also help you synchronise your circadian rhythm, which can help you sleep better. A good night's sleep is important to improve your mood in the morning.

5. Running

Running is the most popular physical exercise around the world. Millions of people run every day to improve their fitness. Any runner will tell you about that running high they got once they pushed through a stitch to make it to the end of their running goal. Running high is nothing more than the release of endorphins and serotonin. Running outside can refresh your mood while reducing the feeling of loneliness. Running can allow you to focus on your thoughts which can help you to improve your focus.

6. Swimming

Swimming is an intense physical activity that requires strength and stamina. Swimming helps to increase the levels of serotonin, noradrenalin, and dopamine in the brain, which are neurotransmitters that can make you feel good. Some research suggests that swimming in cold water can send a shock to reset your vagus nerve, reducing anxiety.

7. Playing Outdoor Sports

Pick any outdoor sports, whether individual or team, it will help you enhance your mood. Outdoor sports expose you to sunlight and fresh air, two things necessary to improve your mood. Sports also help you bond with other people, which reduces the feeling of loneliness. Playing sports releases endorphins and dopamine which helps to enhance the mood. Playing sports also gives a sense of accomplishment even if you are not playing professionally, which is important for your self-esteem.

8. Gardening

What is physical about gardening you wonder but if you’ve ever spent a morning weeding beds or strimming borders in the sun, you know how physically exhausting it can be. Gardening allows you to spend time around plants which is scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve mood. You can pick and choose plants and flowers which are beautiful to look at and can enhance your mood every time you look at them.

9. Strength Training

Strength training is a great way to improve your strength but performing strength training also helps to improve your mood. Strength training helps you manage your stress by releasing endorphins and serotonin, which are chemicals that make you feel good. Strength training also helps you stay focused on a single task, which can lead to increased energy and optimism. When you achieve your fitness goal it also boosts your confidence and self-esteem.

10. Make Your Routine More Physical

If you can’t make time to perform any of these physical activities, then make your regular activities more physical. For example, instead of making a very simple breakfast why not make a breakfast that involves activities like cutting, mixing, grinding. This can increase your physical activity which can help you release endorphins. Another good example would be taking the stairs rather than an elevator. It's all about being physically active to get those endorphins going.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve have understood the importance of physical activity to improve mood. Physical activities help to release hormones like endorphins, serotonin and dopamine which help to reduce stress and enhance mood. It is important to do some kind of physical activity to enhance your mood. So, pick your favourite physical activity from above and start doing it regularly to see the changes in your mood.

FAQs

1. How does physical activity improve your mood?

Physical activities help mood by releasing endorphins or feel good chemicals in the body.

2. What are 5 regular physical activities?

5 regular physical activities can be:
• Walking
• Running
• Dancing
• Yoga
• Exercise

3. What are the 10 health and wellness benefits of physical activity?

Benefits of daily exercise include:
• Improved strength
• More Energy
• Better Heart Health
• Better Sleep
• Reduce Stress
• Weight Loss
• Enhancing mood
• Improved immunity
• Reduce Health Risk
• Helps to relieve pain

4. What exercise is best for mood?

Brisk walking or running are the best exercise for mood.