Happy by Design

6: Activity

We are all aware of the huge physical benefits of being active, but exercise also creates significant changes within our brains and can have an enormous impact on our mental wellbeing. Exercise releases hormones known as endorphins which activate the body’s opiate receptors, improving our mood and reducing pain. Many authors have argued that the benefits of being active go even further than this, including giving us a clearer sense of identity and independence.

Unfortunately, however, most of us are fantastic at finding reasons to avoid ...