Susurrus
1yr ago
I have, but not always. As someone else noted, it comes after strenuous exercise for me too. I've done all sorts of sports and find running provides this wffevt most often and most consistently. I have also done road and gravel riding - road riding does if it's intense, gravel same. Two key points here is this idea of intensity, and the idea of mood. If I have lots on my mind and run solidly for 30 mins, I return home in a much better place. An intense ride takes longer and I find I often ruminate on the bike and my mood isn't improved - riding intensely on the bike is harder and more dangerous than running, and has a higher cognitive load of its own. Another consideration is whether you're fit enough to have an intense and enjoyable workout that can improve mood. I'm fitter than average and have been for years, and can't remember being unfit. I don't know what it's like to try intense exercise for mood improvement when you're not especially fit - the sensations may be more about struggle and 'is this worth it' than wow, I feel great. I don't know. But when you're fit and can push yourself, it feels like exercise helps with me; or, at the least, knowing you can train purposefully and achieve something difficult lifts the mood.
*this effect
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