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.
