Exercise is good for your body, but did you know that exercise is also good for your mind?

When you are physically active your body releases chemicals known as endorphins. These are your body's natural painkillers and stress reducers. They diminish anxiety and depression and produce a sense of well being known as the exercise "high."

Just one workout can release another cache of natural antidepressant chemicals from your body's medicine cabinet, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.

A study at Duke University found that intense bouts of exercise are every effective in reducing feelings of depression, tension, anger and confusion.

Meanwhile, a host of other studies have shown that even short spurts of moderate exercise can improve your outlook on life and make you less anxious. Whether you take a brisk ten-minute walk, do a few jumping jacks, or bicycle around the block, you will feel the benefit both physically and emotionally.

How we feel directly affects how we use our bodies and how we look. Feelings of distress or doubt can cause us to hunch our bodies in an effort at self-protection. As a result our spines are compressed and our breathing is shallow. We limit ourselves to small movements leading our muscles and joints to stiffen and weaken. It is no wonder that our spirits might sag and our sense of self-esteem drop through the floor.

Often just starting out on a new exercise program can boost your sense of self-worth. As you find yourself progressing, you'll also find your confidence growing. Choose physical activities that stretch and strengthen. They will help you to physically stand taller, feel better, and face the world with a positive outlook.

A great deal of research continues to be done on the mental and emotional effects of physical activity. A recent study found that after several subjects spent 30 minutes on a treadmill, they scored 25 percent lower on tests that measure anxiety as well as demonstrated positive changes in their brain activity.

A brisk walk, a short jog, or even just several stretches during your day can help relieve stress and improve your outlook on life. Regular physical exercise releases a host of beneficial chemicals that can help you feel physically fit, mentally sharp, and emotionally positive. Find a physical activity you enjoy and give yourself a dose of good health every day. Stay fit and stay happy.