Revealing Mystery Runner's High: Euphoric Sensation When Running

Medical Video: What happens to your brain when you get a runner's high

In addition to providing physical benefits, various types of exercise can affect a person's mental health, one of which is running. This type of exercise is classified as physical activity which is quite easy to do but can provide a sensation of euphoria in the brain known as istiliah runner high. So do not be surprised if this sport is in great demand with a running distance that varies even up 100km.

What is that runner high?

Runner's high is a term used to describe the mechanism by which the brain responds to running. Scientists in the field of sports, Cedric Bryant, Ph.D (as reported WebMD) define runner high as a positive effect on a person's psychological condition caused by sports with a certain rhythm for a long duration, especially those that occur in running sports.

Runner's high more referring to personal experience, so that it is difficult to describe it in certainty. But as with other sports, effects runner high can not be separated from hormonal reactions in the brain, thus helping a person balance the mood, help relaxation, and increase energy when running. It can also be a distraction of the brain from pain and fatigue in the legs when running.

How runner high can occur?

There are several mechanisms that occur in the brain when a person starts running and affects the condition runner's high:

Increased body temperature - is the first effect that occurs when we exercise or run which is characterized by more sweat. But according to Bryant, an increase in body temperature can also be related to the work of the hypothalamus in influencing the mood when running.
Increased levels of endorphins - is the next thing that happens to the brain when we run for some time. Endorphins are the main cause of the effects of relaxation and euphoria during running produced in the front of the brain, but the secretion of endorphins can be different in each person and also influenced by the duration and intensity of running.
Secretion of hormones noradrenaline - is a securities agent runner high in addition to endorphins. Dopamine and serotonin hormones have a more balanced effect on mood and energy in the brain when a person is on physical activity. Both of these substances are also present in drugs to treat depression symptoms in a person.
Trigger hormone, endocannabinoid - is a unique hormone because, as the name implies, has the same effect when the body responds to stimulants cannabis or marijuana. This hormone is thought to have an effect runner high which is stronger than endorphins because when endorphins are only produced in certain parts, endocannabinoids can be produced in various cells of the body. The effects of this hormone have been tested in rats a study and is thought to have the effect of relieving pain and fatigue when running.

Effects of running exercise on the brain

Besides physical health, runner high is a sign that the body and brain can adapt to running. Running regularly can also help the brain work in the following ways:

Control mood - Mild mood disorders can be overcome by temporarily diverting attention, running outdoors is one way to do it. In addition, the hormones produced when running can have an antidepressant effect so the mood will return to balance when after running.
Restore focus - running can be used as a way to take a break from various stresses. Active moves such as when exercising will help the brain to stop working or think for some time so the brain can start working again in better conditions.
Sharpen the power of the mind - in fact the brain and limbs are connected to each other so that the brain can feel tired when the legs or hands work very hard. By encouraging the body to keep running when feeling tired, our minds will also be trained to continue working under pressure.

Tips to reach runner high when running

Effect runner high it doesn't always happen to someone every time you run, but you can still relax and enjoy running sessions with the following tips:

Begin to run slowly constantly within 5-10 minutes.
Keeping speed is the key to achieving runner high, try not to make a difference in speed that is too far in a short time.
When tired, try to slow down slowly and try to avoid stopping and walking too often.
The rhythm of the foot movement when running is important so that the body remains relaxed, to train it try running while listening to music.
Running with high intensity can trigger excessive sweating, so avoid thirst and consume enough water for around 15-30 before running.
Use clothes and shoes that are suitable for the environment to avoid injury or abrasions when running.
If you feel sick or feel uncomfortable with your body, stop immediately.

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