AsiaLIFE

New research reconfirms that exercise can dramatically improve your mood, even depression, for as long as 12 hours afterwards. That’s a lot longer than the hour or so previously assumed.

Many studies have shown the mood-enhancing benefits of exercise, but this most recent study tracked the effect for up to 24 hours. Forty-eight healthy men and women were randomly assigned to two groups. One did no exercise and the other worked out. All participants completed a standard mood survey. The exercisers then rode on a stationary bike for 20 minutes at moderate intensity. The survey was repeated after 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours. The mood of the exercisers was better than that of the sedentary group immediately after the workout and for up to 12 hours later.

It has long been known that exercise improves mood by producing neurotransmitters, such as endorphins, in the brain. The surprise was how long the improvement lasted. Men and women benefitted equally, and the fitness level of the participant didn’t seem to matter. Even moderate aerobic exercise can reduce the daily stress that builds up and disturbs our moods. The “dose” of exercise needed is not a lot – a few minutes a day can pay off. So, the next time you need to “peak” at a late-night party, you may want to delay that early morning exercise a bit!