Doctor Beth and a biking crew member rode all the way to Suicide Cliff despite the rainy weather. Contributed photo
“My scientific knowledge about what exercise really does to our bodies and to our brains is still minimal, but in my case, I exercise daily especially early in the morning because it makes me feel good.”
Most of us are aware of what happens to the body when we exercise, he said, but how it affects our brain activity and mood isn’t so clear to many of us.
According to science, when we exercise “endorphins are released.”
Diaz said when an individual begins to exercise, the brain recognizes this as a moment of stress.
“Our brain aims to protect us from stress by releasing chemicals called endorphins which reduce the stress, blocking pain and creating a feeling of excitement,” he added.
Endorphins could be addictive like nicotine. But unlike nicotine, endorphins are good for us, Diaz said. And so because of endorphins, he added, habitual and consistent exercise engages our brain and enhances our mood.
If you have never exercised before or have not done so for a long time, Diaz said, “then your happiness awaits you.”
References
https://www.fitnesseducation.edu.au/blog/health/how-exercise-makes-you-happy
https://www.verywellmind.com/can-you-get-high-from-working-out-4129858
