Activate your 'happy' hormones

Ever noticed how some people leave a workout looking like they just had the best day ever? That's not delusion; that's brain chemistry.

- SAPNA VYAS

When you move your body, you are not just building muscles or burning fat; you are activating your body's built-in pharmacy.

You have got four major happy hormones ready to serve: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. These are your feel-good friends, and they don't ask for much. Just a bit of consistent movement.

Here's how to hack your mood, boost your energy, and feel lighter emotionally, all through simple fitness habits that fit into real life.

1. Walk it out...even for 10 minutes

Feeling meh? Go for a walk. Seriously! A brisk 10-to-20-minute walk can lift your mood, especially if you do it outdoors. That little movement triggers endorphins, which are your natural painkillers and mood boosters. And bonus—your stress hormone cortisol drops too.

Try this:

2. Lift something (even yourself)

Strength training = dopamine. That "reward" feeling when you nail a new exercise or finish a set? That's dopamine talking. And when you track progress, it builds a habit-reward loop that keeps motivation high.

Try this: