My exercise of choice is running. That is probably the only sport I consistently do. Even though I have never run as a competitor in a race, I fancy myself as a runner.
I really enjoy running, however that was not the case when I was so overweight, just the thought of walking a long distance would make me groan.
I just finished a 7.5 K run and I feel so alive and refreshed right now. Nothing in the world could bother me. So right now I have what is called the “runners high”. Do you know what causes runners high? Well For decades, endorphins have hogged the credit for producing “runner’s high,” that fleeting sense of euphoria and calm that many people experienc after an intense workout. You often hear people say “ah, my endorphins are kicking in”. But it is actually not endorphins that cause this feeling of bliss.
It is actually something else that is very interesting.
It has been shown that it is actually, a release of endocannabinoids that cause runners high. A recent study shows that runners high is due to the exercise-induced activation of endogenous cannabinoids – lipids whose actions in the body resemble those of the active constituent of marijuana or cannabis. Endocannabinoids (or the body’s own marijuana like compounds) ease pain, cause pleasure, and create a desire for yet more exercise. In fact, exercise is just as if not more effective for depression than medication.
Even more reason to get the running shoes on, go out and run! It truly will bring bliss to your day!
Interesting! Thanks for sharing!