Healthylife® Weigh
Part 5
Emotional Health
Exercise releases endorphins and increases levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These brain chemicals help create feelings of happiness and euphoria. You may start to feel these benefits after just a few minutes of moderate exercise. This leads to a quick happiness buzz and an overall mood boost!
Stress Management
Norepinephrine is a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress. Exercise helps to increase that chemical. Exercise can decrease worry and tension. It also enhances the mind’s ability to deal with daily stressors. Managing stress can reduce emotional eating and cravings for sweets and high-fat foods. The calming effect of exercise can last at least four hours after the exercise is over.
View physical activity as a break from your day. Use this time to focus on the present, instead of past or future problems and worries.
Connect to My Values:
Example: Having good emotional health will help me enjoy what I am doing in the moment. Enjoying life’s pleasures, such as the beauty of fall colors, is important to me.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine