It's Thursday yet again!!! You have almost made it thought the week, 1 more day and the weekend is here!
This week I want to share with you just why exercise makes you happy! If you are feeling down in the dumps with little to no energy, get up and get moving!!! Here is why...
The Happiness Effect:
Ever heard of Runner's high? I'm sure most of you have, but do you know why it is called a runner's high?
Exercise creates a chemical response in the brain which leads to both temporary and long term mental health benefits! Here is how it works:
- Cortisol: this stress hormone is linked to mood, motivation, and fear. It also alters your immune system response and suppresses the digestive system!
- Adrenaline: This stress hormone raises your heart rate, elevates blood pressure, and boosts energy stores.
- Hypothalamus: This region of the brain is the body's natural alarm system which prompts the production of cortisol and adrenaline.
- Hippocampus: Too much cortisol can short circuit cell production in this region of the brain. Impairing thought organization and memory formation.
It is important to exercise in order to keep your stress levels down! If you have too much stress in your life for a long period of time it can have serious side effects including:
- Heart disease
- Sleep disorders
- Digestive problems
- Obesity
- Depression
- Increased skin problems
- Memory impairment
When you are exercises there is a cascade of chemicals and events that your body releases/does in order to get you immediately feeling better mentally and physically!
- Brain derived neurotrophic factor- BDNF protects the brain from emotional disorders and repairs damage from stress and depression.
- GABA- As we have discussed exercise lowers stress levels. This triggers the release of GABA a calming neurotransmitter. It also builds immunity to stress, which enhances your ability to take on life's challenges.
- Endocannabinoids- This is a natural compound which plays a role in processing appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. They are very closely related to the active ingredients of the cannabis plant
- Endorphins- These guys usually then the most credit for feeling of euphoria, but they truly only play a small role in the exercise- induced rush. These pain fighting peptides increase with as little as 20 minutes of exercise!
- Norepinephrine- This neurotransmitter works with dopamine as a feel good, mood boosting chemical in the decision making process.
- Antibodies- Both exercise and happiness increases antibody production. Antibodies are special proteins produced by the immune system to help fight viruses, bacteria, and diseases.
- Dopamine- This neurotransmitter is a feel good, mood boosting chemical. It also controls the brain's reward and pleasure center and it is responsible for feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
- Serotonin- This neurotransmitter is responsible for feeling of serenity and hopefulness. Low levels of this are linked to depression, but exercise can increase these levels!!
Did you know that working out on your lunch break can boost your productivity for up to 3 hours following work!
WARNING: be careful intense exercise can weaken the immune system during the recovery period following the workout!
That's all for today guys! I hope you enjoyed this article! Have a great weekend and stay active! Until next week...
Pistols..Out!
Xo
No comments:
Post a Comment