Exercise increases blood circulation to the brain and boost endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, three of the “happy hormones” that can affect mental health:
Endorphins (working in tandem with endocannabinoid neurotransmitters) are responsible for the phenomenon known as a “runner’s high” that many people experience after a good workout. The release of endorphins has several positive effects, including pain relief, an overall sense of well-being and happiness, reducing inflammation, as well as triggering the production of dopamine, another happy hormone.
Dopamine is the pleasure hormone and plays a key role in your overall mental wellbeing. Over time, regular aerobic exercise (including jogging, cycling, gardening, dancing etc.) can result in higher levels of dopamine.
Serotonin helps to regulate some pretty important things, including sleep, appetite, mood, and pain. It’s no wonder, then, that boosting your serotonin levels can have a positive effect on your mental health. In addition to eating healthily (95% of serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract), exercising – especially outdoors – can boost your levels and get you feeling the effects of this happy hormone.