10 Ways Getting Healthy Makes You Happier

Trimming down and toning up

First things first, health isn’t just skin deep - there’s a lot more to it than simply dropping a few dress sizes, getting compliments and looking good naked. Sure, I’d be lying if I said these things won’t contribute to your level of happiness, but it’s not just the aesthetic changes to your body composition that will have you feeling more content.

A healthier lifestyle is about moving your body and eating right, being kind to yourself and improving your mindset - and it can have a huge impact on your overall quality of life, making the days more manageable and enjoyable. A healthy lifestyle can benefit your mental state, improve your relationships and the way you are able to enjoy the company of others, it can improve your sleep patterns and help you focus, reduce stress and anxiety, ramp up your sex drive… the list goes on.

Speaking of which… read on for my list of 10 ways that getting healthy can make you happier:

1. Improved mood

Need a quick pick me up? Exercise is a fantastic way to boost your mood if you’re feeling low. Physical activity stimulates the release of a collection of “happy hormones” including serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline which help to regulate mood, triggering the brain’s pleasure and reward centres. Serotonin can also be produced from the essential amino acid tryptophan, which can be found in foods such as nuts, red meat and cheese - so be sure to incorporate plenty of these within your meals as part of a balanced diet.

2. More Energy

Often when you’re feeling tired the last thing you feel like doing is rolling out the mat to complete a circuit, but research shows that getting up and moving your body actually increases your energy levels rather than draining them. This is in part due to the release of energising chemicals cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine, which Regular exercise will also prompt the body to produce larger mitochondria (a part of a cell that produces energy) and in greater numbers, too, in order to keep up with the demands of your movement.

3. Better Brain Function

why? Stimulates blood flow to the brain bringing with it oxygen to improve focus. Increased reaction time as a result of norepinephrine, the hormone that raises blood pressure in preparation for fight or flight. I once read that standing on your head for 5 minutes before a business meeting could yield better results due to the increased blood flow to the brain. Whilst this seems to make sense in theory, a brisk walk may be a more socially accepted tactic in the office.

4. Fewer Aches and Pains

Functional fitness is one component of exercise that you should strive to incorporate into your regular fitness regime. It relates to exercises that will improve your ability to perform every day activities with fewer gripes and grumbles, such as leg strengthening exercises to make climbing the stairs easier, or back mobility exercises to ensure you don’t strain your back whilst putting the shopping away. Regular exercise can also ease joint paint as it prompts the body to produce higher levels of synovial fluid, a bodily substance that lubricates the joints.

5. Better Sleep

Moderate to high intensity exercise has been found to reduce the time it takes us to fall asleep as well as the amount of time we spend laying awake at night. It has also know to improve the quality of sleep we experience and as we all know, a good night’s sleep is hugely important for bodily processes and mood the next day. Try to avoid high intensity exercise before bed though, as this can have the opposite effect, acting as a stimulant.

6. Combat Stress

Exercise can provide a welcome distraction from life’s challenges - work deadlines, an argument with a sibling, money troubles - acting as an outlet for your frustrations or worries and stimulating the release of those happy hormones. As mentioned earlier in the article, exercise also triggers the release of the stress hormone cortisol - this is because your body perceives exercise as a form of stress. Whilst this may initially seem like a bad thing (why would you want to produce more of a stress hormone?!) regular exercise actually teaches your body to produce lower levels of cortisol under stress and this applies not only to physical stress but also emotional stress.

7. Better Immune System

Want to get ill less often? Exercise not only increases blood flow and improves immune cell turnover, it also helps to reduce inflammation around the body which can otherwise prevent your body from effectively fighting off illnesses. In addition to this, the stereotypes for ‘healthy’ foods such as vegetables, nuts, pulses and fruits are nutrient-rich and antioxidant-dense, which target free radicals, harmful cells linked to inflammatory diseases including chronic heart disease and Alzheimer's - so remember to get your five a day!

8. Enjoy Physical Activities With Loved Ones

Time and time again, strong relationships have been found to be a cornerstone of the happiness equation. No real surprises there. But becoming stronger, fitter and more agile can enable you to enjoy more physical activity with those closest to you, so you can memories through shared experiences with friends and family. Examples include hiking with friends, dancing with a partner, team sports, playing with your children - and an obvious one not to be overlooked - sex. Speaking of which…

9. Increased sex drive

I’m sure we can all think of one or two people who certainly don’t need more of a boost in this department, but for those who find more often than not they’re just not in the mood, a healthy workout regime could be a game changer. Regular exercise increases the level of testosterone your body produces - the hormone that controls your sexual appetite - so if you’re looking for ways to ramp up your libido a few weight training or HIIT sessions a week could be the answer.

10. Improved complexion

Breakouts, dry or oily patches and uneven skin tone can leave your confidence feeling knocked - trust me; I struggled with regular breakouts as a teen, which later developed into adult acne in my early professional years. But for many of us, a good diet and drinking plenty of water can significantly improve the appearance of skin, boosting complexion to give that coveted youthful glow AND it will do wonders for your hair, too! Exercise also helps to flush out toxins through sweat, as well as stimulating blood flow to the skin’s surface to deliver essential nutrients that keep the skin looking fresh and healthy.

If you had previously been on the fence about whether or not taking steps to get healthier might actually be worth the effort, then I hope this article has helped to provide you with some clarity.

Feeling inspired?

Don’t wait for that spark to fizzle out tomorrow. Do something for you and make a plan of action to get healthy today. Sign up to a class; research personal trainers in your area; invest in a good pair of running shoes - whatever will get you motivated to start your journey.

Speaking of running shoes, be sure to check back out my blog on the best beginners gear for starting your fitness journey that won’t break the bank!

Stay happy, stay healthy!

Jay x