When was the last time you went for a run? Have you ever heard of the “runners high”?
The feeling of “you can conquer the world and have a ton of energy to do so” happens during long duration, rhythmic type exercise. Science used to think that at sometimes during the run endorphins kick in. Endorphins are the hormone used to relieve pain and promote happiness. In recent studies, it is actually shown that endorphins may not be the cause of the high, but rather norepinephrine, serotonine, and dopamine receptors. Okay, so I may have lost you on this. Let us break down why exercise is so important to decreasing stress levels.
Top ways to reduce stress
That chemical!
Increase level in the previously discussed chemicals reduce stress and improve mood. It is as simple as that. Exercise increases the secretion of these chemicals. Another theory involves the increase in temperature. The increase in body temperature associated with exercise increases mood. Your body enjoys warm environments… Makes senses?
Don’t be Tired!
Your body is made up on energy. The energy you intake is in the form of food. The energy you expel is determined by many factors. Reduces un needed energy expenditure, allows you body to move more efficiently. And you guessed it! Stress and the muscle tension associated with it is a negative energy expenditure. Muscle tension can be caused by increased stress levels. Fatigue is caused by muscle weakness and/or difficulty for the muscle to contract when need. Muscle fatigue can place stress on the body and the brain. The weaker a muscle is, the more energy it will take to contact. Also, when one muscle is fatigue other (less strong) muscles activate. These weaker muscles will then be prone to strains.
Because the studies say so!
It’s okay. I did the research. A couple of statistics to prove the point you should just go ahead and exercise.
- According to a poll by American Phycological association, 53% of individuals reported feeling good after excercise
- 33 PTSD patient completed a 6 two week aerobic course (stationary bike). The study showed 89% clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms (Journal of Cognitive Behavior Therapy)
- A study conducted by Frontiers in Phycology Journal showed that exercise allows to maintain more of a positive mood during stressful situations, allowing less of a negative effect
Additional Benefits!
- Reduce risk of disease
- Boost energy
- Reduce weight