You might think I’m taking drugs, alcohol or an overload of sugar!
Well I have been known to ..joking.. I’m not!
I’m actually talking the natural high that you experience as result of exercising. Yep continuing on the same theme as last week and the need to move our bodies, exercise causes the brain to release endorphins.
So what are endorphins?:
1. a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system and having a number of physiological functions. They are peptides which activate the body’s opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect. (mr google)
2. trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine (hence my drug analogy!).
3. act as analgesics/sedatives, by reducing your perception of pain. For someone who has struggled with back pain for many years, I love exercise’s analgesic effect!
The beauty of exercise Vs hard drugs (medical and social), is the activation of these receptors by exercise, will not make you drug dependent or addicted. Be aware however, you may just find yourself addicted to exercise, the endorphin release that follows and the associated fab feelings.
Have you ever heard runners describing the feeling they get after training or a long race – often referred to as ‘euphoric’ or a ‘runner’s high?’ They’re motivated, feel good, positive and energised about themselves and about life. I’ve just reminded myself of this story of a guy and a gal who were just friends, and training together for a marathon…by the end of their marathon – they were a couple!! I’m thinking they got caught up in all those positive, euphoric feelings about themselves and about life!!
So unless you’ve been hiding under a rock or a in a cave in the middle of nowhere, you would’ve heard numerous times about the benefits of exercise. But guess what I’m going to reiterate just a few…
- It makes you feel good.
- It strengthens your heart.
- It increases energy levels.
- It lowers blood pressure.
- It improves muscle tone and strength.
- It strengthens and builds bones.
- It helps reduce body fat.
- It makes you look fit and healthy.
- It reduces stress
- It helps ward off anxiety and feelings of depression
- It boosts self-esteem
- It improves sleep.*
If you love exercise and it’s already part of your everyday, congratulations and enjoy the rewards.
If you’re not fond of exercise however, there are couple of ways to add this exercise ‘high’ into your life.
õ start with the decision that moving your body is an opportunity not a chore! (imagine the alternative!)Think positive!
ô choose a movement that you enjoy ie walking, dancing, hiking, bowling, cycling, gardening etc etc.
ô find 3 times in your week where you can add it in. No excuses.
ó add it in – ideally for a minimum of 30 minutes but if that’s too much, just start out with ten minutes. You could even add 2 daily bursts of ten minutes 3x/week.
Then increase it as you start to rely on those fab endorphin fuelled feelings!! Your body will love you for it!
Are you ready to include exercise in to your everyday?
photo:google
source: *http://www.webmd.com/