Chemistry of Love & Exercise

Did you know...

... that humans are wired for love, as well as connection? According to Helen Fisher (2004), an anthropologist, she observed people who were 'crazy in love' in a study, and noted their brain function in the MRI machine as they looked at photos of their beloved (Fishbane, 2007).
The part of the brain that was most activated is the same region affected by the use of addictive drugs (eg. cocaine), the part of the brain's pleasure and reward system, the caudate nucleus (Fishbane, 2007).

That same elated feeling when you exercise, is the effect on the brain known as the 'endorphin high' that makes us feel good during and right after exercise (Miller, 2007).
The longer-lasting effects of regular exercise improves:

1. mood, decreases anxiety and depression
   
2. improves sleep
3. improves resilience in the wave of stress
   
4. raises self-esteem

Biologically, exercise makes our brain's nerve cells healthier, with the added blood and energy supply (Miller, 2007). This nerve cell growth is essential to adaptation and learning. Exercise can speed this process of cell generation and growth, and be a partial antidote to the counteractive effects of aging and stress on the brain.

Fishbane, M. D. (2007, Sept). Wired to Connect: Neuroscience, Relationships, and Therapy. Family Process, 46, 3, p. 395. Retrieved November18, 2008, from ProQuest database.
Miller, M. C. (2007, Mar 26). Exercise is a state of Mind- Researchers are learning more about how physical activity affects our moods. Newsweek, 149, 12, p. 48. Retrieved November 18, 2008, from ProQuest Database.