Many of us have had the opportunity to focus on our health during the Covid-19 pandemic. Exercise has a myriad of benefits to health and mental well being and is one of the pillars of wellness. Most of us are familiar with the "runners high." Many exercise specifically for this feeling. The "high" is not limited to running. One can feel bliss with any sustained physical activity. An interesting article on TED focuses on the phenomenon.

Most of us think of Endorphins, the body's endogenous opiates, as the neurochemical basis of the "runner's high." The neurochemical picture is more complicated. Endorphins are released, but primarily with high-intensity exercise. According to recent research, the Endocannabinoids system (the receptors to which substances in marijuana/cannabis bind) are also involved.

Cannabinoids have been used for thousands of years. They are used to alleviate pain and boost mood. The effects of cannabis dovetail nicely with people's description of an exercise-induced high: the diminishment of stress, reduction in pain, and the slowing of time.

It turns out that when measured, endocannabanoids increase with the intensity of exercise, at least in runners and at least to a point. Sauntering did not affect levels. Nor did running at maximum effort. Jogging, however, tripled a runners' level of endocannabinoids. In addition, Endocannabinoids in the blood correlated with the runners' self-reported high. These findings suggest that the key to experiencing an exercise-induced high is not the activity itself, but participation in continuous training of moderate intensity.

It appears the benefits of the Endocannabinoids system extend beyond personal bliss. It seems the Endocannabinoids system also helps us feel close to others. The more endocannabinoid, the more pleasure one receives from being around other people.

And exercise also appears to increase the sensitivity and density of Endocannabinoids receptors, making your brain more sensitive to the pleasures induced by activity. In this way, regular exercise may lower your threshold for feeling connected to others — allowing for more spontaneous feelings of closeness, companionship, and belonging, whether with family, friends or strangers.