Have you ever heard of a runner’s high? It’s a real thing; and if you haven’t experienced it, you’re missing out!
Studies have shown that people felt affects like that of mood-altering drugs or even feelings similar to being in love after a running workout – but is this real? What’s the science behind it? Can you expect this every time you run?
The quick answer is Yes. The long answer is, there are different types of affects running can have on your mood – peaceful, calming, energizing… high. It depends on the type of run and the amount of stress you’re placing on your body.
Science has proven that exercise (not just running) releases the chemical in the brain that boosts your mood – Hello Endorphins! Endorphins are the body’s naturally occurring opiates… you read that right, opiates – the same dangerous stuff that’s in some hardcore drugs – but these endorphins are released naturally by the body, therefore boosting your mood without any of those horrible side effects that come with any foreign substance.
Take a long, slow, steady run to release some tension and stress in your body and have a nice steady flow of endorphins – or, take a quick, hard-paced run that really challenges you to get the maximum effect in a short time. Basically, the more stress you place on your body, the harder the workout, the more endorphins are pumped out and the greater the effect. The more endorphins created by your body, the closer you are to euphoria.
So… if you needed another reason to get out there, I think euphoria is it. Incorporate running into your life, bring more endorphins into your life and be happier!
Check us out at FitSimple to learn how to get started!
Sincerely,
K