Natural High: Exploring the Benefits of Exercise-Induced Euphoria
Exercise is widely recognized as an important component of a healthy lifestyle; it can reduce the risk of chronic disease, increase energy levels, and improve mental wellbeing. But did you know that exercise can also produce an endorphin-induced “natural high”? Exercise-induced euphoria, commonly known as a “runner’s high,” is a state of mental wellbeing and increased energy that is experienced after moderate to intense physical activity. While the exact causes of exercise-induced euphoria are still being studied, it is believed to be related to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that reduce pain and produce feelings of wellbeing by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. During exercise, endorphin levels increase, resulting in improved mood and decreased perception of pain. Studies suggest that this “natural high” can result in improved performance, reduced stress, and improved mental health.
In addition to endorphins, exercise may also increase the release of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are associated with improved mood and increased energy. For example, one study found that long-distance runners experienced a significant increase in dopamine levels after a 12-mile run (Stenlöf et al., 2019).
Exercise-induced euphoria is not limited to runners; it has been observed in a variety of sports, including weightlifting, swimming, and cycling (Krogh et al., 2018). Furthermore, studies suggest that the “runner’s high” can be experienced with moderate-intensity exercises, such as walking or jogging, as long as the duration and intensity of the exercise are sufficient (Krogh et al., 2018).
The benefits of exercise-induced euphoria extend beyond the physical; it has been linked to improved mental health, such as reduced anxiety and depression. For example, one study found that regular exercise was associated with decreased symptoms of depression and improved mental wellbeing in college students (Bower et al., 2020).
In conclusion, exercise-induced euphoria is a real phenomenon that has been reported in a variety of sports. It is believed to be caused by the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters, which produce feelings of wellbeing and increased energy. Furthermore, exercise-induced euphoria has been linked to improved physical performance, reduced stress, and improved mental health. Therefore, incorporating regular exercise into your lifestyle may be beneficial not only for your physical health, but also for your mental wellbeing.
References
Bower, J. E., Young, A., Gulliver, A., & Brouwers, E. (2020). The association between physical activity and mental wellbeing in college students: A systematic review. Journal of American College Health, 68(3), 155-165.
Krogh, K., Gredal, O., Bagger, M., & Galbo, H. (2018). Exercise-induced euphoria: The effect of exercise intensity and exercise duration. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 58(4), 553-559.
Stenlöf, K., Nordin, A., Flodin, P., Johansson, L., & Olsson, A. (2019). The association between exercise intensity and dopamine release in the human brain. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 29(10), 1206-1215.