Aerobic exercise causes the body to release endorphins. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Is endorphin related to migraine headache and its relief? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Some people feel an elevated sense of well-being for several hours or even days after a workout due to increased endorphin levels in the brain- a feeling often known as runners high or post-workout bliss. They are also released in response to any type of pleasure or reward, such as eating chocolate or playing a sport. What activity releases the most endorphins? Front Hum Neurosci. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But the actual rise in endorphins doesn't really happen until after an hour of intense exercise. The duration and effects can vary from person to person but it is believed that they will generally last up to two hours or more after completing a workout. Popular culture identifies these as the chemicals behind runners high, a short-lasting, deeply euphoric state following intense exercise. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. Though theyre not fully understood, theyre thought to be involved in how we perceive pain and pleasure (2). This is the case with alcohol and opioid medications. This runners high is produced not just by running, but with any physical activity including yoga, weight lifting, walking, cycling, dancingyou name it! Interestingly, it may also help you exercise longer by alleviating some exercise-induced discomfort or pain (24). Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as euphoric. That feeling, known as a runners high, can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life. However, even low intensity exercises still increase levels significantly. A review study found that visceral or deep inward feelings of pain were significantly alleviated by acupuncture treatment compared to non-treatment groups. The impact of intensive exercise on depression. Opioid drugs (e.g., morphine and fentanyl) act on opioid receptors to release dopamine, the feel-good chemical produced by the brain. Those feel-good chemicals are produced and released in the brain to help you. Additionally, laughter is an easy and natural way to produce these important hormones. Interestingly, the term endorphin comes from the words endogenous, meaning from the body, and morphine, an opiate pain reliever. Theyre released during pleasurable activities such as exercise, massage, eating and sex too. It doesnt have to be exercise- or food-related either. Studies have found that the release of endorphins is highest during exercise lasting longer than thirty minutes, with effects lasting for two hours after exercise has been completed. Endorphins also act on opioid receptors, but they dont have the same addictive properties and are naturally made by the body. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Proc Biol Sci. This leads to the release of many chemicals, including endorphins (26, 27). The others are words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, and gift giving/receiving. Is alcohol and weight loss surgery a risky combination? Endorphins are feel-good chemicals that have several benefits. So, it's not the same for everyone. Last medically reviewed on November 30, 2021. Web1. It may also release, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Current guidelines suggest that adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity every week in order to improve or maintain physical health. Endorphins are released bythe hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain or stress, this group of peptide hormones both relieves pain and creates a general feeling of well-being. Both endocannabinoids and cannabinoids act on cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body (49, 50). So, how long do endorphins last after a workout? Exercising can be hard or painfulpushing for that final rep can be a challenge. There are both genetic and non-genetic factors that can contribute to endorphin deficiency. Research shows that endorphins do not pass the blood-brain barrier. The mood of each participant after the completion of each exercise session was also assessed. When endorphins bind to the opioid receptors in the CNS, dopamine is released and you feel pleasure. How a Whistler fitness program is helping cancer patients - Pique DOI: Dunbar RI, et al. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that our body produces in response to pleasurable activities like exercise, eating, and sex. Patients recovering from a drug addiction will have lower endorphin levels than a healthy individual that never used drugs.