Endorphins

I don't know if I am *happier* all around now that I am working out...but I know I feel better after I run--even if I hate every second of it! I actually crave going to the Y to get in my treadmill time. I limit myself to 65 minutes ( 60 minute workout, 5 minute cool down) 3-4 times a week. The only thing I can think of is that I am craving the endorphins from the workout....

I'm a happier person now.

I've absolutely noticed a change after exercising. I was one of those that was always looking for the easy way out. "I'll just count calories and watch what foods I am consuming, no need to sweat a workout!". However, a co-worker and I began to take a walk around the parking lot once a day (part of an incentive offered to us through our health insurance).

Those walks soon became habit and they surely helped with the afternoon 'slump'. I noticed not being as stressed at work and actually looking forward to our walks. Since that began, we have increased our walks to twice a day (2 miles total) and I am using a fitness workout at home 30 min. a day/ 5 days a week.

I never thought I'd ever 'look forward' to working out, but I always feel so much better! It has helped with the moods, my weight loss goals, and my confidence level.

I'm still the same angry, cynical and misanthropic person I always was, if not more so, but I do feel better about myself especially after my workout.

I don't know if the exercising/weight loss alone has made me happier, but I consider myself a more calm, balanced person now. Things that used to really upset me barely register now. I also think that many people, like myself, probably started exercising as one of several steps taken toward a happier, more balanced life, and it's a combination of everything that results in a more positive outlook.

Definitely happier! This time last year I tried to take my 2–year-old granddaughter on a picnic and was injured getting up and down off the blanket  very disturbing. This year – for my birthday – we flew a kite, skipped, and touched the sky from the swing. I had so much fun and am still smiling 4 days later. My kids are still laughing. And they have video!

I definitely get that endorphin high after a workout!! I'm like Miss Giddy Pants...do I feel happier ALL the time, no but I'm not down and out. For me working out releases a lot of tension, yoga helps me clear my mind, and running helps me solve problems (I run through the list in my head as I run LOL)...if I wasn't working out I don't know when I'd have the time to do all those things as I'm constantly running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I pretty much NEED exercise.
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On a not serious note, this 100% made me think of Legally Blonde: (when talking about a fitness instructor accused of killing her husband) "Exercise creates endorhpins, endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't just kill their husbands." I just couldn't resist...

I thought the exact same thing

When I was telling my hubby a couple of the reasons my MIL should go to the gym, one was "She is always complaining about being fat.", another was "She says she's 'depressed' so it may help her with that." and another was "Exercise creates endorphin's, endorphin's make you happy, happy people don't just yell at their kids."

If I sing "I feel good" one more time to my husband after exercising I think he'll throttle me. So, yes, there is something to exercising that makes you feel good.

I agree. This is only my second week of proper exercise but on days I don't exercise I wish I was!