A Simple Way How Running Can Make You Unusually Happy
Have you ever heard of the term “Runner’s High”?
Sometimes during a run, you may experience an inexplicable lift and burst of energy. Then you feel as if you can run indefinitely. It is called Runners’ High. So how does science explain this phenomenon, and what can we do to make this feeling happen as often as possible?
The growing popularity of cyclic sports and running has forced physiologists to pay attention to it, especially to the phenomenon of runners’ high.
Why does a runner’s high develop?
The first version with which scientists tried to explain the causes of this condition was hypoxia of the brain. In simple terms, a lack of oxygen.
When the brain lacks tissue oxygen stores, it cannot work in an anaerobic mode for more than 5 seconds. It can occur with prolonged increased physical activity and rapid shallow breathing. It can provoke changes in the perception of the surrounding reality and sensations.
But what about well-trained and prepared athletes? It has become clear that the mechanism of euphoria has a more complex nature. It is related to releasing biologically active substances — endorphins.
What are endorphins, and how are they responsible for joy after a run?
Imagine that you have recently finished an intense workout. At this very moment body experiences stress. It serves as a signal for releasing a particular class of bioactive substances. It is called “endorphins.”
According to the scientific definition, it’s a group of chemical compounds similar in action and structure to opiates. It is naturally formed in brain cells and can reduce pain and affect the emotional state.
Interesting that the discovery of endorphins coincided with the running boom in the 1970s. Runners began to talk about exciting findings that happened during marathons or ultramarathons. It made scientists think about the role of bioactive substances in the development of euphoria.
There is also the hypothesis that some people are initially predisposed to get “high” from long-distance running.
Shall be there’s something else that leads to the runner’s high?
But what if it’s not only endorphins that are responsible for the euphoria? Serotonin and norepinephrine could be sources of runners’ high. The increased production of these substances can lead to an elevated mood while running.
Scientists have long linked low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine to depression. Exercise is the cheapest and safest way to increase blood levels of these substances. They will reduce the severity of depression and stress. In addition, regular exercise can increase the body’s resistance to anxiety and depression.
Consequently, the less physically active we are, the worse we cope with stress. It is the lack of endorphins, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the blood.
Runners actually get high from running
Endocannabinoid anandamide is a possible cause of euphoria. To this conclusion came researchers at Georgia College and State University in 2004. It’s formed in the body to overcome stress and pain.
Endocannabinoids are endogenous neurotransmitters. They appear to play a significant role in generating euphoria. It activates cannabinoid receptors in brain reward regions during and after exercise. Also, their properties are similar to the main active ingredient in marijuana, but it is formed naturally in the body.
In another study in 2012, scientists decided to test what a ‘runner’s high’ was and came to an interesting conclusion.
The participants in the study were recreationally fit humans and dogs of mixed breed. In the study, the participants had to run for half an hour on a treadmill. The results showed a significant increase in endocannabinoids’ production after high-intensity endurance running.
Summary
Many anthropologists argue that humankind is a runner by nature. And only comfortable evolutionary conditions served as a reason for giving up the daily multi-kilometer run. That means that the runner’s high is nothing more than a survival mechanism, a natural reward for endurance given to our distant ancestors.
Cyclic exercise like running, swimming, skiing, cycling — will help you improve your physical form. But also, it will help you to resist depression and stress. Exercise improves not only the duration but also the quality of life.
I hope you enjoyed reading this