What is the Science Behind the Effects of Exercise?

Exercise has a powerful influence on mood as it causes a plethora of changes in your brain including reduced inflammation, neural growth, the removal of chemicals that contribute to feelings of stress and anxiousness and the release of powerful chemicals that lift your spirits.

When your heart rate goes up during exercise, so does blood flow to your brain, as this happens your brain receives a heightened exposure to oxygen and important nutrients. It also promotes the release of nourishing proteins in the brain and these keep your existing neurons healthy and stimulate the growth of new ones. Neurons are the building blocks of the healthy functional brain and therefore are fundamental in overall brain health.

When you exercise you release chemicals such as serotonin- which has been noted as the antidepressant chemical of exercise, dopamine and endorphins In your brain that make you feel good. 

In rodent studies it has been found that during and up to 2 hours after exercise serotonin levels are increased in various regions of the brain including the frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum and midbrain while dopamine was found to be elevated in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, striatum, midbrain and pons-medulla, however an increase in serotonin was not always seen suggesting a certain intensity or duration of exercise may be requires to elevate serotonin levels. In human studies a session of exercise was found to increase levels of both serotonin and dopamine in the blood.

Serotonin is used by our bodies in various ways such as being involved in bowel movements maintaining bone health and sleep however it Is also a key hormone in naturally regulating our mood and feelings of happiness and anxiety by allowing brain cells and other nervous system cells to communicate with each other.

When serotonin levels are sufficient it will lead to feelings of increased focus, calmness, happiness and emotional stable however low serotonin levels are greatly associated with various emotional disorders and studies have uncovered that it can also lead to anxiety, depression and suicidal tendencies.