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There are a lot of great reasons to live an active lifestyle. Physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight, stave off lifestyle diseases, and keep a limber body so you can enjoy life to the fullest. However, that\u2019s not all that fitness can do for you. If you have doubts about the value of physical fitness, just read these five surprising benefits of exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to reporting from Harvard Medical School, regular aerobic exercise increases the size of the hippocampus<\/a>. The hippocampus is the part of your brain responsible for forming new memories and helping you learn new skills. So, if you want to perform better at work, master that new hobby, or prevent dementia in old age, it\u2019s time to lace up your running shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Feeling down? Try going for a run. Exercise is an excellent stress buster for moments when you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed, and its effects on mental health last well after your workout has ended. While researchers don\u2019t completely understand how physical activity affects mood and mental health, IFLScience reports<\/a> that \u201cstrenuous activity stimulates the production of two key brain chemicals that are known to play a role in regulating mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tired of tossing and turning at night? You may need to be more active during the day. People who get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week report sleeping better<\/a> and feeling more alert throughout the day than people who are less active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re trying to cut out added sugar or kick a substance abuse problem, exercise is your secret weapon. Working out helps you curb cravings so you can make healthier choices. Along with its stress-reduction abilities, that makes exercise a powerful tool in the fight against addiction. Individuals recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction, in particular, find personal strength through fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exercise increasing your energy sounds backward. After all, how could something that costs energy leave you with more of it? However, because of physical activity\u2019s ability to boost endorphins \u2014 the hormones behind the \u201crunner\u2019s high\u201d \u2014 as well as its effects on sleep quality, a workout might be just what you need when you\u2019re too tired to move a muscle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the rich benefits of an active lifestyle, many people find it difficult to get the recommended amount of physical activity per week. Whether it\u2019s a lack of time or a lack of motivation, it\u2019s hard to add new habits into your life. However, there are some things you can do to promote habit formation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but it\u2019s not just about looking good and keeping your heart healthy \u2014 although those certainly are important reasons to exercise! When you incorporate physical activity into your everyday life, your whole self benefits. If you want to feel more refreshed in the mornings, less stressed after a busy day, or more empowered in overcoming your demons, exercise can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt Lifts Your Moods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It Leads to Sounder Sleep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It Fights Cravings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It Gives You More Energy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n