Why does running have a strong sense of euphoria?

Jogging euphoria is a feeling of extreme joy and happiness that occurs shortly after exercising or jogging. This may be because during exercise, the body releases certain chemicals that help create this feeling of satisfaction.

A feeling of euphoria is a state of extreme comfort and pleasure for a certain period of time. This sensation usually occurs after an intense or prolonged run. Typically, people who feel euphoric while running also feel less anxious and in pain immediately after running. However, not everyone who runs or exercises intensely achieves a state of nervous excitement, as this is a subjective experience for each person. Plus, to reach a state of high mental arousal, you may need to run for several miles continuously. For some, this distance is not easy or unattainable.

Running and aerobic exercise help release a rush of endorphins into the bloodstream. Endorphins are often called the “feel-good” chemical because it creates feelings of happiness and joy. Endorphins also help reduce pain during running, acting like a natural pain reliever, so you can keep running.
For decades, scientists believed that endorphins are the main contributors to the feeling of euphoria after jogging. However, in recent years, other studies have pointed to another class of molecules, endocannabinoids, as the main contributors. The endocannabinoids molecules that act on the endocannabinoid system are affected by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in cannabis.
Like endorphins, running releases endocannabinoids into the bloodstream. If you feel euphoric or extremely relaxed after a run, the endocannabinoid could be to blame.
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Endorphins are neurochemicals secreted by the central nervous system and pituitary gland. Accordingly, Endorphins act through binding to opioid receptors like morphine. That's why they're called "happy" chemicals. Endorphins are released during exercise, during pain or stress, after eating or having sex.
However, endorphins have a large molecular size, larger than other chemicals in the body. At this size, it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. This is a barrier that helps protect the brain from certain pathogens and harmful substances. This means that endorphins are not capable of creating a feeling of euphoria after a run.

Endocannabinoids may be the new post-jogging euphoria. These molecules are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier and act on receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which is activated by THC, the most active compound in cannabis.
In addition, anandamide is another chemical that is secreted in high levels in the blood of new runners. This can produce short-term neurological effects such as:
Reduce anxiety Create a sense of happiness Create a sense of calm Currently, studies on how the brain and body respond to endocannabinoids after Exercise is quite limited. More human studies are needed to increase the reliability of the research results.
Other chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin are also released in high concentrations during exercise, including running.
Some other theories suggest that increased body temperature may occur during prolonged physical activity and is regulated by the hypothalamus. Accordingly, the increase in temperature during jogging is thought to have an indirect effect on mood.

In addition to creating a feeling of euphoria, running also produces other benefits such as:
Reduce anxiety Reduce feelings of depression Increase memory and concentration Increase flexibility and improve mobility Strengthen the immune system Improve Improves insulin response Losing or maintaining weight Running has many health benefits, including nervous excitement. You can choose to exercise, run with different time frames, ensure your body is always healthy, increase your sense of happiness, prolong life

Reference sources: healthline.com, webmd.com