Research
Adherence
Higher levels of daily physical activity, including non-exercise activity (standing, walking, fidgeting), are associated with higher self-reported happiness and positive affect.
You don't need to hit the gym to feel better. Simply moving more throughout your day—standing, walking, or fidgeting—is linked to higher happiness. Focus on increasing your general daily movement rather than stressing over intense workouts.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
The findings reveal that individuals who are more physically active are happier. Further, individuals are happier in the moments when they are more physically active.
Why this rating
Large sample size (N>10,000), objective sensor data, and longitudinal design increase confidence, though it remains correlational.
Source
Happier People Live More Active Lives: Using Smartphones to Link Happiness and Physical Activity
Neal Lathia et al. · PLoS ONE · 2017
cross_sectional · n=12838Cited 187×
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