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Heres What Experts Had to Say

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Why does working out boost your mood?

Thats how strong of an effect it can have.

woman sweating in the gym

Exercise doesnt only boost levels of dopamine, though.

(Think: yoga, gentle hikes.)

This is why some therapists recommend patients with a history of anxietyapproach high-intensity exercise cautiously.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

It also simply improves self-esteem due to the higher sense of self-accomplishment, he says.

All of these things, together, make for a near-instant mood boost post-exercise.

How long do you have to exercise to improve your mood?

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

But youll likely want to get in half an hour or more to see a difference.

That could mean jogging, a dance cardio class, or casual bike ride.

Does Dancing Count as Cardio?

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

Heres What Experts Say

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Im a Master TrainerHeres Why You Shouldnt Skip Your Post-Run Stretches.

If ice hockey isnt your style, a bootcamp-style class likeBarryswill have you covered.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

We know thathuman/social connectionis a basis for humanmotivation, so right there, that provides a great boost.

Pick a stellar playlist and turn up the volume

Music has a known mood-boosting benefit.

Creating aplaylistof your favorite pump-up songs can be a great mood-booster, Shapiro says.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

This helps to deepen relaxation and can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

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