5 Unexpected Awesome Benefits of Exercise

I’m sure you’ve heard it before. “Exercising is so good for you. You should exercise, ya-ta-ya-ta-ya-ta.” I’m not here to lecture you on the benefits of exercise. Well, maybe I am.

Exercise!

I just want to share with you a few benefits of exercise beyond the obvious. Yes, exercise will help you to lose weight. Yes, exercise will help you live longer. Everyone knows this.

Exercise does a lot of other things too, though. Maybe if more people understood everything exercise can do for your life, they would be more dedicated to hitting the gym.

So, here are a few less talked about, but just as awesome benefits of exercising.

1. Your stress washes away.

As the day progresses, my mind becomes more and more cluttered with all sorts of worthless shit. I get to thinking about my to-do list, what I’m going to do next year, etc.

After 30 minutes of cardio, these thoughts are no longer bothering my brain. I’m relaxed and caught up in the act of working out. For me, this stress relief lasts hours after a workout.

2. Your energy is restored.

I usually work out around 3:30pm because that’s how my college schedule is set up. By this time, I’m usually dragging a bit, having been going from class to work since 9am.

I always have more to do after working out, though. It might seem strange to think that running or lifting wouldn’t make you more tired, but it’s the truth. You get the blood pumping, and it recharges your mental battery. I get done and feel more refreshed than after a nap.

3. Peacefulness settles over you.

I always reward myself at the end of a workout by sitting in the sauna to read or meditate for about half an hour. This is often my most peaceful period of the day.

Exercise releases endorphins, naturally making you feel good about life. This afterglow, sometimes even a noticeable fuzziness, stays with me for up to an hour after working out.

4. Your confidence increases.

Working out naturally makes you feel like a stronger, more capable person. When I’m done working out, I feel certain of my ability to do what I set my mind to.

5. Your motivation is lifted.

This goes along with confidence. Once you begin to believe in yourself and be proud of who you are, you start to feel motivated to do well in other areas.

For me, developing an exercise habit helped me to change many other aspects of my life. I de-cluttered my space, became much more productive, took up reading and writing as daily practices, and started eating healthier too.

It’s been amazing what this one habit, exercise, has inspired and pushed me to do. That’s why I want to encourage you to exercise. Not because I want to lecture you or care about how you choose to live your life, but because I honestly believe it could make you a much happier person. Best of luck.