The Runner’s High: Why Does Running Feel So Good?
- Leonardo Inglardi
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
If you’ve ever gone for a run and suddenly felt lighter, calmer, and maybe even euphoric, you’ve probably experienced what scientists call the runner’s high. It’s one of those strange but wonderful moments when effort turns into ease — and it has a lot to teach us about how the brain and body work together.
What’s Really Going On in the Brain?
For a long time, everyone thought the runner’s high was all about endorphins, the body’s natural opioids. They help dull pain and can boost mood a little, but here’s the twist: endorphins can’t easily cross into the brain. So how could they be the main driver of that head-to-toe rush of calm?
More recent research points instead to endocannabinoids — the same type of molecules our brain uses that cannabis mimics. Unlike endorphins, endocannabinoids can get into the brain and bind directly to receptors that reduce anxiety and boost feelings of relaxation. In other words, when you feel that mental “lift” mid-run, it’s very likely endocannabinoids doing their job.
More Than Just Euphoria
Running doesn’t just feel good in the moment; it also helps regulate stress over time. By lowering levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and stimulating BDNF (a molecule that supports learning and memory), running literally helps your brain adapt and grow. Think of it as a natural way to hit “reset” on your mood and even sharpen your focus when you come back to your books or your work.
Why Evolution Wired Us This Way
There’s also a fascinating evolutionary angle. Our ancestors survived not by sprinting 100 meters but by running long distances to track prey — what’s called persistence hunting. The “feel-good chemistry” of the runner’s high may have evolved to keep early humans motivated to run for hours, even when their bodies were tired. So when we feel good running today, we’re tapping into a survival mechanism that’s thousands of years old.
What It Means for Us
For students, running can be more than a workout. It can be a way to manage the stress of deadlines, balance long study sessions, and give your brain the breathing space it needs. Many runners describe entering a kind of flow state — where thoughts quiet down and movement feels almost effortless. That’s the beauty of it: running isn’t just about physical endurance; it’s a mental reset button.
The runner’s high shows how deeply connected body and mind really are. It’s not just about chasing miles, but about the brain rewarding us for moving, for persisting, for pushing through. And maybe that’s why, after a long day of lectures and exams, lacing up your shoes and going for a run can feel like the most natural therapy in the world.
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