A good night’s sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. And you guessed it — physical activity is sometimes the key to better sleep. Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. There’s a caveat, however. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you may be too energized to fall asleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you might want to exercise earlier in the day.

Our bodies constantly burn calories, even when we’re doing nothing. This resting metabolic rate is much higher in people with more muscle. Every pound of muscle uses about 6 calories a day just to sustain itself, while each pound of fat burns only 2 calories daily. That small difference can add up over time. In addition, after a bout of resistance training, muscles are activated all over your body, increasing your average daily metabolic rate.

A great way to tackle depression and mood swings is through regular exercise. Many people who begin exercise programs to lose weight or get healthy soon realize the wonderful added benefit fitness has on their state of mind. Work out on a regular basis and enjoy the effects of the body’s own mood elevating endorphins. When these powerful drugs kick in chances are depression won’t. And, when you feel happier you look happier. Others around you will notice.