There are natural highs and lows when it comes to exercise and training. But what exactly is the phenomenon called runner’s high that we hear so much about? And is it real? Vhi Health Coach, Micheli Romão, shares her expertise on the euphoria that can be felt after exercise, and the benefits it can have on our wellbeing.  

What is runner’s high?

Scientifically, runner’s high is described as a short-term sense of euphoria and elation felt while running, that was long believed to be due to the endorphins (chemicals that help the body cope with pain and stress) released into the body during exercise. This ‘high’ is even said to help with pain while running. Research now says that runner’s high can’t be caused by endorphins because they are too large to pass from the bloodstream through the brain barrier. So, that euphoric feeling some people experience from running is likely not caused by endorphins at all.

So, is it all fiction?

Not necessarily. Research has found it’s possible that a chemical called endocannabinoid (which promotes short-term feelings of calm and reduced anxiety) is released into your body during exercise, and this can pass through the brain barrier, unlike endorphins. Experiencing runner’s high during a run is rare, but a post-run feeling of euphoria and accomplishment is felt by a lot of runners. In particular, people who complete a long run or marathon will experience a strong sense of achievement and joy. If you’re looking for a goal to work towards, running your local parkrun could be your next big accomplishment to get all those happy hormones flowing! 

How does the post-run elation impact your mental health? 

The positive feelings we experience after completing a run are beneficial for our mental health. The sense of accomplishment that comes with the post-run elation is good for self-esteem and confidence in knowing you can do the things you set your mind to. This all helps you to build strong mental resilience. Mental resilience is the ability to maintain a clear mind in the face of stressors. Have a look at my blog about exercise and mental resilience, called ‘Can exercise help build strong mental resilience?’ for more information on this. The endocannabinoids released during a run also help with our mental health because they help promote short-term effects such as reduced anxiety, feelings of calm and mood regulation.

Is it only running that leads to this sense of euphoria?

Running is the most researched in terms of the sense of elation and contentment felt afterward, but that doesn’t mean other exercises don’t cause the same feelings. Any movement that requires skill, motor function or effort will make you feel accomplished and happy afterward, giving a sense of a ‘high’.

How does exercise impact our wellbeing?

The list is long! These things are what I’d call the ‘highs’ of exercise. People who exercise experience:

• Less depression and anxiety
• Increased memory capacity
• Better focus
• An increase in feelings of strength, mobility and endurance
• Better mental resilience

Are there ways we can get more excited for a workout?

The unfortunate truth is that no matter how much or for how long we’ve been exercising, it’s always going to feel like an effort. You still need to find ways to remind yourself why you’re doing it and how it makes you feel afterward. So, a tip of mine is to try and remember the sense of achievement you felt the last time you completed a run or workout. You don’t regret exercising. Imagine that feeling of boosted self-confidence and competence, and just go. It will get easier to prioritise this feeling of satisfaction.

Another tip I always give people is to make the task as easy as possible for yourself. By this, I mean leaving your running gear and anything else you need laid out the night before. This makes it easier to make a split decision to just do it when you wake up. If you give your brain a chance to decide whether to go, there’s a big chance you’ll talk yourself out of it! Read my blog titled ‘How to train your brain to find the motivation for exercise’ for more information on this.

Although the traditional definition of runner’s high might not be achievable for most people, you can still experience plenty of ‘highs’ from exercise that feel just as rewarding! The most important thing is to find exercise that makes you feel accomplished and happy each time you achieve it.

This content is for information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your GP or an appropriate medical professional if you have concerns about your health, or before commencing a new healthcare regime. If you believe that you are experiencing a medical emergency call 999 / 112 or seek emergency assistance immediately.

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