The benefits of exercise are far reaching and go well beyond getting six pack abs to impress the girls (though this is pretty cool too). Not only does it effect your body in many ways you see, but it also affects your mind. One of the ways it does this particularly effectively is by reducing stress. The ways exercise reduces stress are myriad and each interacts with the mind in a different way.

The first process by which exercise can reduce stress is by releasing endorphins which are responsible for the ‘runners high’ you often hear about. This leaves the person exercising feeling relaxed, calm and even euphoric. The evolutionary purpose of this effect is to numb pain and heighten positive emotions to help the individual deal with times of physical stress (such as being trapped under a boulder or chased by a lion). Today the body interprets exercise as a similar situation and so releases the endorphins to suppress pain and raise the mood of the athlete. The receptors that respond to endorphins are actually the same ones that respond to many recreational drugs such as morphine and marijuana which is why the body reacts as it does. For the same reasons many athletes actually become physically addicted to their sport, though I struggle to see the negative side of becoming addicted to something that keeps you fit and healthy. Furthermore, it acts as a great way to boost your energy and can even be a great antidepressant.

Exercise reduces stress in other ways too however, and the impact that it has on the brain is far more complex than a case of simple endorphins. As well as endorphins, exercise also increases the production of testosterone which in itself is a great way to beat stress and increase feelings of confidence and drive. Exercise also affects the brain itself however and can lead to neurogenesis in certain brain areas (the birth of new brain cells). This has been shown to help improve memory (one of the main areas it occurs in is the hippocampus), but likely has many other effects too, almost certainly contributing to the battle against stress.

Furthermore however, exercise is simply great catharsis and if you’ve had a rough day, then whether you go for a refreshing sprint or take your frustration out on the weights or a punching bag, this is at least one way in which you can be certain that exercise reduces stress.

Mack LeMouse

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