Exercise is important. Everyone knows it.

But Shawn Achor, researcher in positive psychology, notes, “Common sense is not common action.”

Many of us know that we should exercise more, and we recognize that it would be good for our physical health. What we may recognize less, however, is that it can also be good for our mental health.

Psychologist Michael Babyak and his colleagues have studied how exercise can decrease depression and increase psychological well-being. While there are many factors in such research, not only the physical activity itself plays a role, but it’s also important to note that regular exercise can increase one’s self-regard and sense of mastery over various athletic activities, which are valuable feelings and more mental than physical. 

As for our participants, we saw some interesting results this week. Josh seemed to see a big difference in his attitude this week.

“Everything was better; food tasted better; jokes were funnier,” Josh said. This is fantastic.

Maggie felt that exercising with other people was great, which is true for many people.

As I personally have been exercising more lately, now that winter has ended, I feel that in addition to my body feeling better, my mind also has benefited from increased exercise, as I know I am regularly engaging in a valuable and healthy activity, which supports my mental well-being. 

Overall, you know exercise is good for you, so you should do it. Set specific and measurable goals for yourself. Start small, work your way up, and see your progress. Work out by yourself or with friends.

While it can be difficult to get off the couch, people rarely regret working out afterwards, as they know it was good for them. So, set a goal, get off the couch, and reap the benefits.