Dopamine, endorphins and co.: That's why sport makes us happy
Does sport make you happy ? The short answer: yes. The long answer? You get it in this story!
Imagine the following scenario or think back to a similar moment: It's early morning. Everyone is asleep, only you have your sports shoes on, take a step out the door and take a deep breath of fresh air - and then you start running. What follows: feelings of happiness , elation , you could keep running forever...
Whether you're jogging in the morning or evening, swimming laps , climbing or dancing , you know that wonderful feeling of balance - and happiness ! Some only feel it after the work is done, some already feel anticipation or have a certain point at which the workout becomes fun . Didn't that have something to do with the happiness hormones dopamine , endorphin and serotonin ?
No matter whether you experience your runner's high during your morning jog or the thrill of climbing gives you a kind of high : this story explains why that is.
Are endorphins responsible for feelings of happiness during exercise?
Before we go into more detail about what causes our feelings of happiness, we would first like to clarify the following sports myth : Endorphins are often mentioned in sport in connection with feelings of happiness : “Sport makes us happy because we release the happiness hormone endorphin.”
It has not been proven that endorphins released directly make us happy during or after exercise. However, it has been scientifically proven that endorphins act like a natural painkiller that is produced by our own body : an endogenous opiate that relieves pain, relieves anxiety and ensures that we are more relaxed when it is released. Endorphins, which are released through exercise, are important so that we don't let minor injuries or related fears or tension slow us down. While endorphins are most likely not directly responsible for our happiness (but can certainly contribute to the runner's high through their effect), serotonin and dopamine are rightly called happiness hormones .
Like a little dopamine? Then just do some quick exercise and feel happy.
The real stars of exercise: dopamine and serotonin
In addition to endorphins, we often hear about serotonin and dopamine in connection with exercise. These two signals are neurotransmitters that the body sends in certain situations, for example when we exercise . When these signals are sent, one of the things they do is make us feel happier . That's why they are also called happiness hormones .
The happiness hormone dopamine
Dopamine is a secret star in sports because, as an important neurotransmitter, it transmits signals that motivate you and make you feel good . For example, when jogging, dopamine ensures that you are more concentrated , have more drive and feel more emotions .
Have you ever doubted that running, for example, makes you happy? Maybe you've heard before that feelings of happiness only come after a while . In fact, it takes up to 20 minutes for dopamine to be released . But do you know what will make you happy until then? A great taste ! Try our Energy Gums* with delicious carbohydrates until the effect of your sports hormone , dopamine, begins automatically.
Happy after exercise with serotonin
Serotonin is another neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of happiness. It is released when you take a break after exercise and ensures relaxation and well-being . Good sleep and a supply of important nutrients can help your serotonin increase during and especially after exercise .
So many things that make us happy about sport
In order to clear their heads and gather positive impressions , many recreational athletes and active families like to be in nature, while others train in the gym with good friends or colleagues. In addition to the happiness hormones serotonin and dopamine and the endorphins released, numerous other factors play a role in jogging, workouts, yoga and Pilates classes when we feel happier . Because: When we enjoy our surroundings or maintain our social contacts , it gives us a good feeling in addition to exercise.
And we don't even consciously notice some positive influences : rhythmic movements when running or dancing, for example, can make us feel better . A rhythmic beat , which we can also create by stepping with our feet , is said to have a positive effect on our psyche .
Sport makes you happy – especially under the right conditions
Balance athletes know that balance plays an important role in sport - as in life . We should therefore not only ask ourselves why exercise makes us happy , but also consider the circumstances that are best for our health :
In our autonomic nervous system, serotonin is a signal from the parasympathetic nervous system, while dopamine belongs to the sympathetic nervous system . They are often referred to as antagonists because the sympathetic nervous system increases physical performance and thus stimulates it when we are particularly active. Whereas the parasympathetic nervous system helps us recover .
The key is the balance of the two systems: the action is the time for the sympathetic nervous system , but when we regenerate , it is time for the parasympathetic nervous system to make its big appearance - we need the relaxation time just as much as we need the action.
Sport Mode ON: Dopamine, Endorphin, Serotonin & more
Endorphin, dopamine and serotonin are released, among other things, through exercise . When we do physical activity, other hormones interact to create the positive feelings we experience.
In addition to the happiness hormones serotonin and dopamine, the sex hormone testosterone and the stress hormone cortisol can also be released when you exercise. Just like the messenger substances norepinephrine and adrenaline are important activators to which you can even become addicted - this is where the term “adrenaline junkie” comes from.
Here too, the balance of interactions in the body is important. If we take care of the balance in our lifestyle and also pay attention to our diet , almost nothing will stand in the way of our happiness.
Dextro Energy* drinks, bars and co. – what luck!
Hormones and the like are one thing when exercising to make you feel better. The other is the optimal supply of sports nutrition and supplements that can support your body. Or to put it another way: Runner's high is more likely if you are well looked after and can perform at your best.
Our Dextro Energy* products are full of important nutrients and valuable vitamins . Together with nutritionists, we have developed innovative foods and nutritional supplements for various situations in your sports routine :
If you need a little refreshment in between , take a look through our Liquid Gels , Energy Bars * and Gums * in many different versions - delicious! Our Iso Drinks, on the other hand, contain minerals for endurance athletes and are available as a practical powder that you can mix with water to suit your taste. Or motivate yourself with a cookie, vanilla coco or chocolate protein crisp before exercise to provide you with protein . Our Recovery Drink °, on the other hand, is ideal for the regeneration phases after sport . And if you want to support your muscle building during the regeneration period , try our BCAA powder in peach or orange flavor. Discover your favorite flavor now !
* contains carbohydrates
°Proteins contribute to increasing and maintaining muscle mass.
A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.
SOURCES:
Henning Boecker, Till Sprenger, Mary E. Spilker, Gjermund Henriksen, Marcus Koppenhoefer, Klaus J. Wagner, Michael Valet, Achim Berthele, Thomas R. Tolle, The Runner's High: Opioidergic Mechanisms in the Human Brain, Cerebral Cortex, Volume 18, Issue 11, November 2008, Pages 2523–2531, https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhn013
https://today.uconn.edu/2012/11/uconn-researcher-dopamine-not-about-pleasure-anymore/#
Photo credit
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