Exercise and Happiness

The Huffington Post recently ran this interesting article on a new study from Penn State University showing a positive link between exercise and happiness.  In a sample of college students, the researchers found that people who were more physically active tended to report higher levels of excitement and enthusiasm overall.  They also found that exercise produced immediate bursts of positive feelings.

Research has consistently found positive benefits of exercise, beyond the purely physical health benefits.  In fact, prior studies have shown exercise to be as effective for treating mild depression as antidepressant medication.  These new results further emphasize the overwhelmingly positive emotional benefits of physical activity.  So get out and get moving!