We all know that exercise is good for us. It’s part of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise can do more for you than just help you enjoy better health and help you maintain your desired weight.

Here are 6 other ways that exercise can improve your life:

1. More Energy

How many times have you watched children running around and exclaimed: “I wish I had that kind of energy!”

While it may not be possible to recover the energy of childhood, you can boost your energy level now. Exercise helps you build strength and endurance, and that means that, over time, you have more energy to accomplish your daily activities without feeling run down.

2. Better Sleep

Do you have trouble falling asleep? If so, more exercise during the day can help. Your body is more ready for sleep at the end of the day if you have exerted physical effort. This means that you sleep better at night — and are more likely to wake refreshed in the morning.

Good sleep is important for a number of reasons. When you are well-rested, your mind is more alert and you make better decisions. Additionally, when you are less tired during the day, you are able to resist impulses. Whether it’s the impulse to eat junk food, or the impulse to buy something you don’t really need or want, a better sleep schedule can help you avoid the pitfalls of poor decision-making.

3. Improved Mood

Exercise can also influence your mood. Studies show that exercise releases chemicals in the brain that promote happy feelings. You’ve probably heard of a “runner’s high.” I have never experienced a happy feeling from running, but I do feel good after swimming, or after kickboxing. Find an exercise you enjoy, and you will feel good after doing it.

Another way exercise can improve your mood is by helping you feel better about your appearance. Regular exercise often goes hand in hand with feeling as though you look your best. This can result in a higher degree of confidence, which in turn benefits you in a number of ways, from relationships to work performance.

4. Reduce Stress and Anxiety

It’s not just about boosting your mood; exercise can also help you relax. When you are frustrated, the physical activity, whether it’s a brisk walk or an all-out aerobics session, can help you release your frustration and reduce stress and anxiety. Many people use exercises like yoga and tai chi to help them relax as well.

Depending on the exercises you choose, it’s possible to improve that mind/body connection through physical activity. A brisk walk outside can connect you to nature and help you relax. I like swimming. I enter an almost meditative state when I swim. This helps me focus my thoughts and calm my mind. Regular exercise is one of the best stress relievers.

5. Improve Your Intimate Relationships

Studies indicate that regular exercise can also boost your intimate relationships. You feel more energetic, rather than feeling too tired for physical intimacy. Additionally, as you exercise and start feeling more confident about your appearance, it’s likely that you will feel less self-conscious about your physical encounters with your partner.

6. Save Money

Physical activity can help you save money as well. When you are healthy, you don’t have to spend as much on medical costs. This is especially important in the United States, where you have to pay for your health care directly.

Good health can save you money by helping you avoid expensive and chronic conditions like Type II diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and more. On top of that, exercise builds muscle and bone strength so that you are less likely to suffer severe consequences from a fall or from some other cause.

Over time, regular exercise can save you quite a bit of money, no matter where you live, or what health programs you have access to.

With the right exercise program, you can improve your life in a number of ways. You don’t have to devote all your free time to exercise; 30 minutes of vigorous exercise a few times a week is usually sufficient to help you make solid improvements to your life.