How does movement boost our moods?

It’s widely believed that the psychological benefits of exercise come from the release of endorphins, but that is an oversimplification. The evidence for that is really weak …

Instead, when we exercise, we produce a cocktail of hormones, including endocannabinoids – all of which contribute to making us feel good. Endorphins are produced at a certain intensity of activity, but the mood-boosting effects of exercise are felt at a much lower level.

Multiple and pronounced benefits. Not only does exercise increase positive “affect” (or emotion), it decreases negative affect, equating to a one-two hit of good feeling.