Wonder Why We Feel So Good When We Exercise?

Wonder why we feel so good when we exercise? Here are 3 reasons why. ⁠ ⁠ 1. Endorphins⁠ You know that high or feeling of euphoria you get when you run or do a high intensity workout? When we exercise our body releases chemicals called endorphins – a type of neurotransmitter or chemical messenger. These react to the receptors in the brain and reduce our perception of pain and stress and trigger a positive feeling in our body – similar to opioids like morphine. Nothing like a natural high right?⁠ ⁠ 2. Serotonin⁠ Exercise is a natural serotonin booster. Serotonin is released when we are physically active via conversion of tryptophan – an amino acid. Serotonin is a brain chemical that plays an important part in regulating our mood and is essential for keeping our body functioning smoothly. About 10% of serotonin originates in the brain and an astounding 90% in our gut microbiome – hence the saying ‘gut feeling’ – with that much serotonin being produced we actually ‘feel’ from our digestive system. The gut and brain talk to each other via the gut-brain axis to regulate processes - such as mood. Between both the gut and the brain it is a big old feel good party when we move.⁠ ⁠ 3. Dopamine⁠ Another neurotransmitter released when we exert ourselves physically, in particular when we do cardio exercise. It’s that hit of pleasure and reward our brain circuit notes (akin to that feel good hit of pleasure some of us experience we get likes on social media). The ‘rush’ can be addictive (as we seek to avoid un-pleasurable experiences and pain) and why we may repeat certain behaviors. Cardio exercise can increase a very positive and natural hit of dopamine, which is what drives us to want to do it again. ⁠ ⁠ #masterthebasics #exercise #movement #move #basics #healthyhabits #foundations #habits #health #healthcoach #fitness #brainhealth #brain #guthealth #gut #microbiome #mood #repost quote via @neurohacker