6 Reasons Why Exercise Makes You Happy by Krista Stryker

Sure, you know exercise is good for you. It keeps your weight in check, makes you stronger, and keeps you feeling youthful and staying active into old age.

But did you know that exercise can also make you a happier person? It's true.

When you work out and stay active on a regular basis, it's not just a coincidence that you feel less stressed out, less anxious, and generally happier.

Here are 6 reasons why exercise makes you happy:

1. It releases happy chemicals into your brain.

Dopamine, a chemical that plays a role in happiness, is a neurotransmitter in the brain that’s necessary for feelings of pleasure and happiness.

Many studies suggest that as we age, we’re constantly losing our stores of dopamine, which is why we need to constantly seek out experiences that release dopamine.