Scientists already knew that regular exercise promotes better psychological health and decreases stress levels. But according to the new research, which analyzed the physical, mental, and social behavior of 14,706 young adults, those who were more physically active tended to have better mental health. They also had more friends and spent more time with others. More from Prevention: What’s Missing From Your Weight Loss Plan It’s difficult to tease out cause and effect from all that endorphin-producing behavior. Still, it’s clear that exercise, socializing, and mental health are all closely related, explained Toben Nelson, ScD, one of the researchers and an associate professor of epidemiology and community health at the University of Minnesota. Being both physically fit and a social butterfly contribute to a happy mind, and here’s a bonus: the traits also seem to help promote each other. If you work out in a social setting, you’re more likely to stick with it, Dr. Nelson explained. “It may be that structuring physical activity in a setting that’s social would be helpful for overall mental health.” So if you’re the type to keep your head down and earbuds in, consider switching it up by jogging in the park with friends or taking a group spin class to maximize the stress-busting, feel-good effects of your workout. More from Prevention: 8 Weird Workouts
