Reaching a Natural High

Do you want to feel invincible? Then go for a run! Many people say that running makes them feel at peace, relaxed, or even euphoric. The idea of a "runner's high" has been around for a long time, but has never been validated - until now.

Recently, the New York Times published a story claiming that scientists have reported that a runner's high really does exist. Thanks to recent advances in neuroscience, researchers in Germany have learned that running floods the brain with endorphins. These natural pain-killers are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus during strenuous exercise. The sensations which endorphins create are associated with mood changes, and are similar to those of mood-altering drugs. The euphoric state achieved by exercising may even cause the runner to be more resistant to pain and discomfort.

The lead researcher, Dr. Henning Boecker from the University of Bonn, said he came to test endorphins when he realized that pain studies were applicable. The study used positron emission tomography (PET) scans to test runners' brains before and after a two-hour run. This non-invasive, three-dimensional, medical imaging technology detects the presence of metabolically-active chemicals such as endorphins. In the course of his research, Dr. Boecker also administered a psychological mood-indicating test.

The results of Boecker's research indicate that the endorphins produced during running attach themselves to areas of the brain that are associated with emotions. Specifically, these areas are the frontal and prefrontal lobes of the brain. Emotions associated with these areas include romantic love, and music that "gives you a sense of euphoria".

This eurphoric high is not limited to running, of course. The feeling of being "high" from exercise can occur during most sports. This feeling of bliss is generally felt during the activity, or for a short period afterward; however, running and exercising have long-term benefits for your mind and body as well. People who exercise are generally in better moods, are more relaxed, and suffer from less anxiety and depression. According to the American Journal of Physiology's Heart and Circulatory Physiology, the release of endorphins and opioids during exercise may help keep our hearts healthy.

So remember that you don't have to be Superman to feel invincible! Whether you're welcoming spring or easing into winter, running and exercise can make you look and feel better.

Resources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/health/nutrition/27best.html?ref=health
http://lifehacker.com/373017/running-for-the-high
http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/128/117152.htm?pagenumber=2
http://fitness-software-review.toptenreviews.com/getting-high-on-exercise.html
http://completerunning.com/archives/2007/12/19/endorphins-more-than-a-feeling/
http://cabig.cancer.gov/resources/glossary.asp