According to the Harvard School of Public Health, exercise may result in an increased feeling of well being and decrease in stress and anxiety. The stimulation of endorphin release may be one of the pathways through which exercise can improve your mental health. Despite widespread acceptance, there is not conclusive clinical evidence to prove any specific benefits of increased endorphin secretion brought on by exercise. Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Endorphins
Endorphins are chemicals that are produced and secreted by a tiny gland in your brain called the pituitary gland. This gland releases endorphins in response to pain or stress experienced in your body. The endorphins create a natural analgesic effect by blocking pain impulses from reaching your brain so that you do not experience them. According to BioMed Central, prolonged exercise is one stressor that may stimulate the release of endorphins.
The Process
After a period of about 30 minutes of physical activity, oxygen supply is cut off to your muscles. The muscles then switch to anaerobic respiration and lactic acid builds up as a result. The build up of lactic acid flows into the blood stream and causes a condition know as acidosis. This build up of acid in the blood stream serves as a signal to your pituitary to release endorphins.
Conditioning
When a person exercises more regularly, such as a professional athlete who trains daily, the body becomes conditioned to the stress of exercise. So, although endorphin release initially happens after about 30 minutes of exercise, if you regularly exercise for 30 minutes or more, you may need to exercise for longer and longer periods to stimulate endorphin release.
Exercise Therapy
According to BioMed Central, endorphins have an effect on the brain that is similar to antidepressant drugs. Unlike the drugs, exercise also has many other benefits - such as increased longevity, weight regulation and physical health. While there is not conclusive clinical evidence to support using exercise to treat depression or other mental disorders, there may be a potential for using exercise as a harmless and inexpensive therapy to relieve or prevent mental disorders.
References
- How Does Exercise Effect our Mood?
- BioMed Central "Moderate exercise and chronic stress produce counteractive effects on different areas of the brain by acting through various neurotransmitter receptor subtypes"; Suptendra N Sarbadhikari and Asit K Saha
- Harvard School or Public Health; The Nutrition Source "The Benefits of Physical Activity"
