Think about the last time you went to the gym on a particularly rough day.  You probably didn’t feel as upset after your workout as you did when you started it.  Wondering why?  Well, it’s because exercising actually improves your mood.

We’ve all felt that rush that comes with a great lifting session, the “runner’s high” that comes after you’ve polished off a few miles, or that plain feel-good feeling that accompanies you throughout the day after a morning workout.  All of these feelings are caused by a chemical cocktail that your body feeds you during strenuous exercise.  By working out hard, your brain will release endorphins (natural pain killers and mood enhancers), dopamine (your body’s “feel-good” chemical), epinephrine (a.k.a. adrenaline), and a slew of other natural substances that give you that natural high.  On top of that, you’ll get a psychological boost by knowing you completed your workout for the day, letting you move on to other things you need to finish.  If you work out in the mornings, you can get some of these feelings throughout the rest of your day.

So, the next time you’re upset about something, put down the bottle, put the pint of ice cream back in the freezer, turn off the TV, and go for a three mile run.