Life

Moderate exercise boosts mood – but don't overdo it says scientist

Moderate exercise, such as cycling for an hour at a steady pace, produced enough endorphins to boost mood
Moderate exercise, such as cycling for an hour at a steady pace, produced enough endorphins to boost mood Moderate exercise, such as cycling for an hour at a steady pace, produced enough endorphins to boost mood

Everyday activities that boost your happiness hormones.

This week: Don’t overdo the exercise

ENDORPHINS are mood-boosting, painkilling chemicals your body releases with exercise. And while exercising more intensely produces significantly more endorphins than a more moderate workout – because it hurts more – it might not be the best way to boost your mood, suggests a study published in 2017.

"Endorphins seem to have a dual role dependent on the intensity of exercise," said Tiina Saanijoki, a physical exercise researcher and the study’s author, from the University of Turku in Finland.

"At moderate intensity, they seem to help produce positive emotions, but at high intensity it’s more about protecting the body from pain and stress caused by the workout than changing mood."

That means it’s good news if the idea of ‘no pain, no gain’ doesn’t appeal. The study found moderate exercise (cycling for an hour at a steady pace) produced enough endorphins to boost mood; something Tiina feels may encourage you to repeat the exercise.

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