MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. News

Exercise Makes You Happier Than Money, Says Study

All the motivation you need to stick with your healthy New Year’s resolution - by Chelsea Tromans
  • 04 Dec 2019
Exercise Makes You Happier Than Money, Says Study

You can’t beat that high you get from working out (thank you, endorphins). Not even a million dollars can make you feel as happy, says a new study.

Work Out Exercise GIF by Lizzo - Find & Share on GIPHY

According to research undertaken at Yale and Oxford which compared the number of days of bad self-reported mental health between individuals who exercised and those who did not, exercise came out on top.

The study found that individuals who exercised had 43.2% fewer days of poor mental health in the past month than individuals who did not exercise. The scientists found that those who exercised regularly tended to feel bad for 35 days a year, while non-active participants felt bad for an average 18 days more.

Data from over 1.2 million Americans was analysed in this study and the effects of exercise type, duration, frequency, and intensity were all considered.

Participants were also asked about their income, and the study found that physically active people feel just as good as those who don't do sports but who earn about $25,000 more a year. Basically, exercising will make you feel just as happy as someone who earns more money.

But…(and there’s always a but)... overdoing it on the exercise front can have the opposite effect. The research found that three to five 45-minute training sessions per week is ideal. More than that and your mental health may suffer.

"The relationship between sport duration and mental load is U-shaped," said study author Adam Chekroud of Yale University in an interview with Die Welt. 

No surprise, the study recognised that team sports can have more of a positive effect on mental health than other exercise activities due to the social aspect. Cycling and aerobic and gym activities also came out on top.

Chelsea Tromans
Chelsea Tromans
Chelsea Tromans is a fashion, beauty and lifestyle editor whose words can be found on BEAUTYcrew, marie claire, Women’s Health, WHO, Daily Addict, and The Joye, just to name a few. She’s a night owl who’s trying to train herself to be a morning person (coffee helps!) and she recently traded in her hectic Sydney life for a quieter pace in Brisbane.

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

The Amount Of Sleep You Need Depends On Your Age, Says Study

The Amount Of Sleep You Need Depends On Your Age, Says Study

Going To The Movies Is Just As Good For You As A Light Cardio Session, Says Study

Going To The Movies Is Just As Good For You As A Light Cardio Session, Says Study

Apparently Women Start Turning Into Their Mothers At The Age Of 33

Apparently Women Start Turning Into Their Mothers At The Age Of 33

Finally, We Have Proof That Women Are Better Drivers

Finally, We Have Proof That Women Are Better Drivers

{headline}

{headline}

In Case You Needed Reminding, Harry Potter Fans Are Better People

In Case You Needed Reminding, Harry Potter Fans Are Better People

Prepare The Champagne! A New Study Suggests Your Cat Might Actually Care You Exist

Prepare The Champagne! A New Study Suggests Your Cat Might Actually Care You Exist

Women Aren't Better At Multitasking Than Men, We're Just Working Harder

Women Aren't Better At Multitasking Than Men, We're Just Working Harder

{headline}

{headline}

Sexually Objectifying Women Leads Women To Objectify Themselves, New Study Reveals

Sexually Objectifying Women Leads Women To Objectify Themselves, New Study Reveals

Olivia Newton-John, Singing & Acting Australian Icon, Dies Age 73

Olivia Newton-John, Singing & Acting Australian Icon, Dies Age 73

Meet The 2022 Winners Of The National Indigenous Fashion Awards

Meet The 2022 Winners Of The National Indigenous Fashion Awards

Princess Charlotte Has Pulled A Prince Louis On Us With An Animated Public Appearance

Princess Charlotte Has Pulled A Prince Louis On Us With An Animated Public Appearance

Netflix Just Dropped The First Trailer & Release Date For The 'Heartbreak High' Reboot

Netflix Just Dropped The First Trailer & Release Date For The 'Heartbreak High' Reboot

Kyle Chalmers, Emma McKeon, Cody Simpson & The Love Triangle No One Asked For

Kyle Chalmers, Emma McKeon, Cody Simpson & The Love Triangle No One Asked For

Where Is Hunter Moore, 'The Most Hated Man On The Internet', Now?

Where Is Hunter Moore, 'The Most Hated Man On The Internet', Now?

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire