Feeling sluggish, tired, and sleepy?
Need more energy to tackle your to-do list?
Exercise boostsyour bodys fitnessand also your mood, both of which contribute to your overall health and well-being.
Its the runners high.
Boosts heart healthExercise boostscardiovascular health, which allows you to have greater endurance throughout the day.
Improves sleepYes,regular exercise can help you sleep betterand therefore feel more refreshed and energized throughout the day.
It also slows the release of cortisol, the hormone that flows when were under chronic stress.
These hormonal changes are good for our brain cells, promoting improved cognitive function and boosted mood.
A large body of research has consistently shown thatregular exercise is associated with lower incidence of depression.
Which Workouts Boost Energy the Most?
Saltz recommends any bang out of aerobic activity to boost your mood and energy.
Doing this three to four times a week has a mild antidepressant effect.
Studies back up exercises benefits for depression.
But lower-intensity exercise, such as yoga, has also shown potential benefits when it comes to mood.
Research suggests yoga may help reduce depression and anxiety.
The bottom line: It’s really up to you and what you like to do.
Thats what youre most likely to stick with, she says.
Pick something that sounds fun and youre excited about doing.
Play a game of basketball, football, or tennis.
Go jogging or walking with a friend, or go for a bike ride.
Go for a hike, or take your kids outside to the park and play with them.
Additional reporting byDeborah ShapiroandMarisa Petrarca.
Diana Rodriguez is a full-time freelance writer with experience writing health-related news and feature stories.
She is a managing editor at the Mayo Clinic and has written extensively for HealthDay.
She lives in Louisville, Kentucky and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and French from Miami University.
Depression
What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Here’s How to Tell the Difference
