EXERCISE HIGH

Exercise High: Benefits and Effects

The physical and mental benefits of exercise are well-documented and widely accepted. But what is less known is the potential of exercise to improve a person’s psychological and emotional wellbeing. This is referred to as “exercise high.” The term exercise high is used to describe the feeling of euphoria that can be felt following a bout of physical activity. It is a natural phenomenon that has been recognized and studied for decades. This article will discuss the benefits and effects of exercise high and how it can be used to improve overall wellbeing.

The most commonly reported benefits of exercise high include improved mood, reduced stress, improved cognitive performance, and increased self-confidence. Exercise has been shown to improve mood by releasing endorphins, which are hormones that have been linked to positive emotions and feelings. Exercise has also been shown to reduce stress levels and improve cognitive performance by increasing alertness and focus. Furthermore, regular physical activity has been linked to increased self-confidence due to how it can improve physical appearance and overall health.

The effects of exercise high can be felt both immediately following physical activity and in the long term. Immediately following physical activity, endorphin release can cause feelings of euphoria and intense happiness. This feeling can last up to several hours after exercise is completed. In the long term, regular physical activity can lead to improved mood and reduced stress levels that can last for days, weeks, or even months.

There are several ways to maximize the effect of exercise high. One of the most important is to ensure that physical activity is enjoyable. This can be done by engaging in activities that are enjoyable and that provide a challenge. Additionally, it is important to ensure that exercise is maintained on a regular basis. Regular physical activity has been shown to be more effective at improving wellbeing than sporadic exercise. Lastly, it is important to ensure that physical activity is monitored and adjusted according to individual needs and goals.

In conclusion, exercise high is a natural phenomenon that has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress, improved cognitive performance, and increased self-confidence. The effects of exercise high can be felt both immediately following physical activity and in the long term. To maximize the effects of exercise high, it is important to ensure that physical activity is enjoyable, maintained on a regular basis, and monitored and adjusted according to individual needs and goals.

References

Gillen, J. B., Percival, M. E., Ludzki, A., Trenell, M. I., Martin, J., Tan, N., … Gibala, M. J. (2016). Twelve weeks of sprint interval training improves indices of cardiometabolic health similar to traditional endurance training despite a five-fold lower exercise volume and time commitment. PLoS One, 11(4), e0154075. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0154075

Kruse, M. (2008). Exercise and mental health. American Family Physician, 77(7), 909–912.

Taylor, J. (2019). Exercise high: What is it and how can you get it? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-high

Vazou, S., Smiley-Oyen, A. L., & Hahn, R. A. (2017). Exercise and children’s mental health. Pediatrics, 139(4), e20163436. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-3436

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