To me, long-distance running also has the effects you describe, but you and I are lucky to have bodies that allow it. Cycling is great in similar ways but can b

To me, long-distance running also has the effects you describe, but you and I are lucky to have bodies that allow it. Cycling is great in similar ways but can be a lot easier on the knees, for example. I've found other higher level psychological effects of exercise, too. For example, having a group that meets for a run every week at a given time and goes out no matter what the conditions (snow, rainstorm, heat wave, tornado warning...) was incredibly inspiring and liberating. Exploring the neighborhoods of my city on different routes made me happy in ways that a treadmill never could. And hard self-defense workouts always gave me the best stress relief and a sense of perspective (especially when we took a moment to meditate, too).