I am a geek when it comes to learning. So, after starting running durning depression up until present day, I wanted to know exactly what happened to my brain because of my new found run habit.
Y’all! There’s so much to this. I have only begun to scratch the surface and the amount of research out there.
I promise to keep it as UN-scientific as possible.
What the Heck Does Brain Waves Have To Do With It?
As you may know, running is not just good for our physical health, but also for our mental well-being. But have you ever wondered what’s happening in your brain as you lace up your shoes and hit the pavement?
As it turns out, running causes different types of brain waves to be activated. These include alpha, beta, delta, gamma, and theta waves. Alpha waves are associated with a relaxed state, such as when you’re daydreaming, beta waves with an alert and active state, like when you’re working on a task, delta waves with deep sleep, gamma waves with high cognitive function, like when you’re solving a difficult problem and theta waves with deep meditation or drowsiness.
Why You Like Long Showers After a Run
Speaking of theta waves, have you ever noticed that after a run, when you shower and stay in for a good 45 mins to an hour, you feel like you’re in a daze? That’s because you’re likely in a theta state. The theta state is a very deep state of relaxation, and it’s the state our brains are in just before we fall asleep. It’s also the state our brains are in during deep meditation. I tend to have the best ideas while I’m showering. Heck, I thought of this blog while taking a long hot shower.
Does the Runner’s High Really Exist?
You may have heard of the “runner’s high,” a feeling of euphoria that some runners experience during or after a run. But did you know that this phenomenon is not as common as people think? In fact, a recent study found that only about 9% of runners experience the runner’s high, and it’s not entirely clear why.
One theory is that the runner’s high is caused by endocannabinoids, (Ok, one big science word) which are chemicals similar to the ones found in marijuana that are produced by the body.
These chemicals bind to receptors in the brain and can produce feelings of euphoria. (Well…Well…Well)
Here’s Why My Depression Improved
Recent research by Dr. Brendon Stubbs from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London has shown that running can have a significant impact on mental health. A study conducted by Asics overseen by Dr. Stubbs found that after just 20 minutes of exercise, participants experienced an improvement of up to 29% in their ability to deal with stress, an increase in relaxation levels of up to 18%, an increase in brain processing speed of up to 26%, an improvement in memory of up to 21%, and were up to 28% less prone to making rash decisions. Furthermore, the study found that 20 minutes of running resulted in a drop of up to 135% in negative emotions like frustration.
What a minute!!! A 135% drop in negative emotions? This is LIFE-ALTERING! Seriously, if you are dealing with depression, I highly suggest that you include a minimum of 20 minutes in your day to workout. It WILL change your life. Take my word for it!
Convinced Yet?
So, next time you hit the pavement, remember that there’s more going on in your brain than just burning calories. Your brain is working hard to produce different types of waves and chemicals, and who knows, you might even experience the elusive runner’s high! And don’t forget, after a run jump in the shower so you can get a little bit of theta sauce.
Be Well,
The Cr8zy Sock Lady
Sources
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Ok, so first things first, this is an amazing blog, April! I just read several of your posts and I seriously love them. Your transparency is so encouraging.
In regards to this particular post, I thought every runner experienced the runners high. When I was running consistently, oh so many moons ago, it was one of my favorite parts of the entire experience. I honestly looked forward to it. Initially I thought it was odd. However, after doing a little research, I discovered “the runners high” and it felt good to know there was something about running that felt so good.
I recently started running again. Well, actually I’m still in the walking phase. I wasn’t excited about starting over but here we are. I have even thought about blogging my journey. You have encouraged me in so many ways.
Thank you for this post; but more than that, thank you for your entire blog and your consistency. I’m so grateful for you!
Thank you! Shout out to you for getting back on the horse. Once you start the run habit…you are a running. PERIOD! It doesn’t matter if you take time out or not. I am standing over here cheering you on…in everything, because you are simply amazing.