Leigh Hunt knowledgeably said, “The groundwork for all happiness is health.” Hunt knew something in the 1800’s that people today still don’t know; much of happiness is based on health. There is a direct link between the mind and body, which explains how health and happiness are directly connected, (Confidence). A healthy lifestyle causes one’s body to feel an increase of happiness because it relieves stress, it increases self confidence, and it improves the quality of life.
First, healthy living relieves stress. Everyone experiences stress. Stress can be an overwhelming weight that feels as though is it controlling life. Stress can cause severe headaches, heart attacks, and even be a factor in depression. Many people question how it is possible to manage stress and simply enjoy life. The answer is simple: live a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle is defined as, “the steps, actions and strategies one puts in place to achieve optimum health,” (Toole). Exactly how is healthy living going to help relieve stress? Exercise is a major factor in living a healthy lifestyle and releasing stress. Exercise releases a hormone called endorphins. Endorphins are defined as “feel-good neurotransmitters,” (Staff). When they are released they send happy and calming signals to the brain, which helps push out stress and negative thoughts. According to mayoclinic.org physical activity bumps up the production of endorphins (refer to figure 1). Exercise does make one feel happier. Another way