Being physically active can make people feel happier than money can

A new study from Oxford and Yale universities found that people who are physically active have a greater sense of wellbeing and happiness than those who are physically inactive.  The study published in the Lancet also found that active individuals were also found to feel as happy as inactive individuals who earned $25,000 more per year.

More than 1.2 million Americans were asked about their exercise habits, emotional and mental health.  The researchers found that individuals who exercised regularly had 43% fewer days of poor mental health in the past month than individuals who did not exercise but were otherwise matched for physical and socio-demographic characteristics. 

Researchers also found that individuals who exercised for more than 3 hours a day suffered more than those who weren’t particularly physically active.  In fact the ideal was found to be 3-5 sessions a week of 30-60 minutes each.