Runner’s High: From Stress to Euphoria
The Transformative Power of Running
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The first few minutes of a run are brutal.
My breath is jagged, my body feels stiff, and I’m convinced I won’t make it more than a mile.
But then, out of nowhere, things start to change…
After running for around 8 to 10 minutes, my body settles into a rhythm.
My breaths become steady, no longer labored.
My legs feel light.
My body gets into an equilibrium state.
No stress, no strain, just flow.
I wanted to understand this feeling.
So, I shared my experience and how I felt with one of my friends, who runs 5km daily.
He said what I am experiencing is Runner’s high. It’s that moment when your body finds its flow, and running stops feeling like an uphill battle.
Being a curious person I wanted to know more about it. Is it just a figment of my imagination, or is there real science behind it?
So I looked up some articles and videos about the topic.
Here’s what I found.
What Is Runner’s High?
The standard definition I came across was
Runner’s high is that euphoric feeling many runners experience during or after a good run. It’s characterized by a sense of elation, reduced anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of well-being.
The Science
I stumbled upon this video that dives into the science behind Runner’s High.
⚠️ Spoiler alert ⚠️: It’s all about endorphins, endocannabinoids, and some very fit mice 🐭💪.
Give it a watch — it’s way more interesting than it sounds! 😄
Fascinating, right?
But digging deeper into the topic, I found that beyond the biochemical changes in our bodies, running also has profound psychological effects.
Many runners report feeling a significant boost in mood after their runs. This isn’t just anecdotal; numerous studies (check here and here) support the idea that regular aerobic exercise can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
When you run, you’re not just moving your body; you’re also engaging in a form of active meditation.
The rhythmic nature of running allows your mind to wander or focus solely on your breath and surroundings, providing a mental break from daily stressors.
Beyond immediate mood enhancement, regular running has long-term benefits for cognitive function.
Studies suggest that aerobic exercise promotes neurogenesis — the growth of new neurons — particularly in areas of the brain associated with memory and learning (such as the hippocampus).
This can lead to improved cognitive performance, better memory retention, and a decreased risk of cognitive decline as one age.
Other Health Benefits
- Improved cardiovascular health: Running strengthens the heart ❤️ and improves circulation 💪.
- Weight management: Regular aerobic exercise helps maintain a healthy weight ⚖️.
- Enhanced immune function: Exercise can boost the immune system 🛡️.
- Better sleep quality: The physical exertion from running can promote deeper sleep patterns 😴🛏️.
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Regular runners have a lower risk of developing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension 🏃♂️🚫🩺.
I’ve been tracking my pace during 20-minute runs.
To inspire you, I’m sharing some stats here 😎. Who’s ready to level up their running game?”
Feeling pumped after hearing all this?
What are you waiting for? Go! 🏃♂️💨
If you enjoyed the article, give it a round of applause! 👏
And I’d love to hear from you — how have you improved in your running? Share your running experiences in the comments! 🏃♀️💬
Let’s inspire each other!
