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How Exercise Increases Feel-Good Hormones



How Exercise Increases Feel-Good Hormones
We all want to feel happier and more carefree. It’s too often that we allow stress to overrun our lives. Many of us struggle from day to day just to feel good let alone feel excited about life. Well, I’m happy to say that there’s a natural way to get a “natural high” otherwise known as “feel-good” hormones and that comes by exercising at least 3 to 6 days a week. 

If you’re new to living a fit lifestyle, not to worry,  you don’t have to jump in head first into a fitness program, that will only overwhelm you, which may set you back even further once you become overly exhausted and fatigued from being unconditioned.
Take it slowly at first, start out by moving more, for example, you could go for a speed walk each morning and then slowly increase your activity to jogging.  As long as you stay active throughout the day you will be able to increase the feel-good hormones in your body which will give you more energy and focus to laser in on your goals.

Feel-Good Hormones  to the Rescue

If you feel stressed out all the time then now is the time to take control of your life to release stress that play havoc with the body by exercising regularly. Did you know that regular exercise is more powerful in increasing feel-good hormones than taking medication? And it aids in having more energy too!

Nobody wants to be sad or depressed, it's not our natural way of being. If you struggle with light depression and anxiety then know that your body needs regular exercise. Exercising reduces stress and increases feel-good hormones substantially. 

You don't have to workout for hours a day simply begin by doing cardio 20 to 40 minutes 5 to 6 days a week to get your heart-rate up for a sustained period of time. 

By putting yourself first and making exercise a high priority in your schedule you’ll come to realize that life really isn't as bad as you may have thought because the feel-good hormones will be released making you feel more relaxed and care-free. 

When you fail to exercise stress hormones can play havoc on the body and increase a hormone called cortisol which increases weight and belly fat. Stress overpowers the neural pathways in the brain which causes complications in new neuronal pathway development thus keeping you in a "fight or flight" mentality which is not good! Stress also constricts the heart and veins, increases blood pressure and over-stimulates the nervous system. All of which makes for a no fun way to live. 

Take Action Today!


So if you want to feel better than decide today to take action and get moving! In addition to regular exercise aim to walk 10,000 steps a day to keep your body happy and energized.

Moderate to vigorous exercise stimulates the release of two vital feel-good hormones in the brain: epinephrine and norepinephrine. These two hormones are associated with stimulating the "happy" sensations in the body otherwise known as a “natural high”.  It’s like jogging enthusiasts that experience a “jogger’s high” after a good long run or after a tough weight lifting session, weightlifters feel incredibly empowered as though they can take on the world. The empowerment & feel good feelings come from the release of the feel-good hormones.

Feel-good hormones also cause the breakdown of glycogen (sugar) in the bloodstream which releases energy to your hard worked muscles which add to muscle development and fat loss. Exercising is only a win-win activity that will uplift you, enrich your life and help you feel more confident and in control of your life like nothing else can do. 

Regular exercise also aids in anxiety and depression which comes from being too overstressed. When you’re stressed out the feel-good hormones are basically shut down as your body is in fight or flight mode instead.  And that’s not a fun way to live at all. 

Feel-Good Hormones 

When you exercise regularly, you will increase feel-good hormones that will sustain you throughout the day. Soon you’ll find that you’ll become more positive and optimistic naturally and that your life begins to improve in dramatic ways.  By exercising five to six days a week, you will increase hormones that will improve your mood and your health, which are:

Serotonin: 
Serotonin is the happiness hormone. Serotonin regulates our moods and keeps mood swings at bay.  It also prevents depression and anxiety.  It increases happiness and a sense of well-being. Serotonin can be released by getting exposed to sunlight, by eating foods rich in carbohydrates and by exercising.

Endorphins:
Endorphins also make you feel good and more relaxed; it also reduces anxiety and pain. Endorphins are released by moderate to vigorous exercising.

Dopamine:
Dopamine helps with mental alertness and clarity. The lack of it causes fogging thinking and a lack of focus and concentration in addition to setting increase depression and despair. It can be released by eating foods that are rich in protein which is high in any fitness enthusiast’s diet.

If you’re ready to improve every aspect of your life, including having a healthier body and a happier attitude, make exercise a high priority in your life.
About the Author


Carol Whitaker is the author of the acclaimed book Ridiculously Happy! The Secret to Manifesting the Life & Body of Your Dreams.  Carol is a Life Success Coach, Motivational Speaker, Media Expert and Mentor. As a highly sought-after life coach and happiness expert, Carol is dedicated to empowering men and women around the world to love and believe in themselves to enable them to live a higher quality of life. She is well-known for the amazing transformations she creates in her clients’ lives. Carol is a happily married mother of three and is an avid equestrian. Connect with Carol on Facebook to receive her health, happiness and fitness tips, and by following her on Twitter. Visit CarolWhitaker.com to learn about her services.

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