Fitness

Latest Research On The “Runner’s High” Yields Astonishing Results

How many times have your sweat sessions worked to not only burn calories but improve your mood as well?

Though often spoken of in reference to runners, truly if you workout at all, especially if you do so consistently, you’ve likely experienced the euphoric, mood-lifting effects of exercise.

And, chances are you’ve heard this phenomenon attributed to the release of a particular group of peptide hormones known as endorphins.

I mean, even if you didn’t learn about exercise and endorphins from science class in high school, Hollywood has attempted to educate the masses on the matter as well.

After all, what early 2000’s Reese Witherspoon fan isn’t familiar with her most famous Legally Blonde quote: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.”

Well, as much as this notion of an exercise induced high caused by the release of endorphins has been ingrained in many minds, recent research is telling a different story.

That’s right, according to new research, this commonly held view seems to have been debunked, meaning something other than endorphins is at the root of the “runner’s high.”.

What Is A “Runner’s High”

We briefly alluded to the overall notion of what is meant by the common phrase “runner’s high” above, but let’s delve into this term a bit deeper.

The second word of that phrase likely gives away its meaning in the simplest of terms, but to elaborate, a “runner’s high” is a feeling of euphoria, happiness, relaxation, or calm experienced after a run.

But, while mostly used in reference to running, a “runner’s high” can be experienced after any high intensity exercise.

And, if you’re reading this and feel like you’ve been missing out, despite your best high intensity efforts in your workout sessions, don’t worry, not everyone has or will experience this phenomenon post workout.

For many years, the most noted cause of these happy or euphoric feelings was linked to endorphins.

This is due to the fact that vigorous exercise is known to prompt the release of such chemicals or hormones.

The thing is, technically the release of endorphins happens in response to stress or pain.

Ever experience pain in a high intensity workout? No pain, no gain, right?

Well, this release of endorphins may be the reason that runner’s can push past pain and endure for one more mile, then another, then another, but new research has indicated that this same release of endorphins may not be the cause of the euphoric, anxiety-relieving feelings felt post-run (or workout).

But, since we also know that endorphins are released throughout intense exercise, what is it that has led researchers to believe that something else is the true connection to the “runner’s high?”

Endorphins Or Endocannabinoids

Though research on the subject of the cause of the “runner’s high” isn’t new, the reviewing of these studies’ findings are becoming more conclusive, and so a new message is finally reaching the masses: endorphins aren’t the cause of post-run euphoria.

The fact is, studies conducted over the course of the last few decades have consistently shown that endocannabinoid levels increase with vigorous exercise, leading scientists to believe that this is the actual cause of these post-workout feelings.

Typically, endocannabinoids are responsible for keeping balance between the brain and the body.

The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating sleep, memory, appetite, fertility, and mood.

But, research in both mice and humans has shown that the receptors in the endocannabinoid system are crucial when it comes to receiving the healthy benefits of exercise.

Such studies have also shown that endorphins, the once thought hero of post-workout good vibes, are actually too large to pass what is known as the blood brain barrier.

What does that mean? Not being able to pass the blood brain barrier makes it highly unlikely, even impossible for endorphins to alter mood (in this way) through exercise.

So then, how do endocannabinoids cause that “high?” (And, don’t worry, we’re not likening a great run or workout to firing up a joint!)
The human body actually makes its own version of cannabis, tiny molecules made of fats (lipids) that move throughout the brain and the body.

After intense exercise the body naturally produces these biochemical substances, also known as endocannabinoids.

When you exercise, especially at a high intensity, the amount of endocannabinoids in your bloodstream increases, and they easily move from your bloodstream to your brain.

Once in the brain, endocannabinoids can have a psychoactive effect, allowing you to experience calmness, reductions in anxiety, and an overall improvement in mood.

So, let’s take a look at some of the findings that have led researchers to this endocannabinoids trump endorphins conclusion:

In a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled human study, 63 healthy participants ran at a moderate intensity for 45 minutes on a treadmill (in a lab).

During a later session, these same participants walked (casual pace) for 45 minutes on a treadmill in an exercise lab.

The findings?

Researchers found that “the participants exhibited increased euphoria and decreased anxiety after 45 minutes of running on a treadmill in a moderate-intensity range compared to walking.”

And, this euphoria experienced when running coincided with higher blood plasma levels of two types of endocannabinoids.

To rule out the role of endorphins in the outcome (here the increase in euphoria and decrease in anxiety as predicted), participants were randomly given opioid blockers.

The participants who were given these opioid receptor blockers still experienced the exercise-induced euphoria (and decreased anxiety), proving what many scientists have already hypothesized – endocannabinoids, not endorphins, are what causes the “runner’s high.”

From this research, scientists have also realized that keeping one’s heart rate elevated is crucial in raising endocannabinoid levels. Specifically, reaching between 70-80% of the maximum heart rate listed for your age, continued for roughly 30 minutes, is needed to potentially achieve a “runner’s high.”

Just remember, euphoric feelings and decreased anxiety aren’t the primary goal of exercise.

And, some do not experience these results no matter their exercise intensity or duration, lending to the notion that there is still much research to be done regarding the role of endocannabinoids and endorphins in running and all other forms of intense exercise.

What we do know regarding consistent (even vigorous) exercise and the brain:

Parts of the brain associated with memory and learning increase in volume with consistent exercise.
Exercise elevates mood.
Exercise slows age-related cognitive decline.
The brain’s response to physical and emotional stress is dulled with exercise.

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Fitness

What 10 Minutes of Walking Immediately After Meals Does to Your Blood Sugar?

Blunting that spike doesn’t require intense cardio or an hour at the gym. A simple 10-minute walk right after eating changes everything.

You finish lunch, clean up your plate, and sit right back down at your desk or collapse onto the couch. Within an hour, a wave of heaviness hits, leaving you sluggish and hunting for an afternoon snack.

This post-meal slump isn’t just about digestion—it’s driven by a sudden spike in your blood sugar. Luckily, blunting that spike doesn’t require intense cardio or an hour at the gym. A simple 10-minute walk right after eating changes everything.

“I used to get so sleepy after lunch that I could barely keep my eyes open during afternoon meetings. Taking a quick 10-minute stroll around the block sounded too simple to work, but my energy hasn’t crashed once since I started.” — Rachel Vance, 41, Accountant

1. Your Muscles Act Like “Glucose Sponges”

When you digest food, your body breaks carbohydrates down into glucose, which enters your bloodstream. Normally, your pancreas has to release a flood of insulin to move that sugar out of your blood and into your cells.

When you contract your leg muscles by walking, those muscles soak up glucose directly from your blood for instant fuel—without needing extra insulin. This mechanism keeps your blood sugar curve smooth and flat instead of sharp and elevated.

2. You Stop the “Spike-and-Crash” Cycle

Sitting still after a heavy meal allows glucose to pool in your bloodstream, creating a steep peak followed by a dramatic drop. That sudden crash is what triggers intense cravings, brain fog, and irritability around 3 PM.

Moving right away keeps your circulation active, spreading out energy delivery so you stay alert without the sudden drop.

“My doctor recommended a short post-meal walk to manage my sugar levels. It takes almost no effort, but my daily energy is noticeably more consistent.” — Arthur Pendelton, 62, Retired Administrator

3. How to Make the 10-Minute Habit Stick

Timing beats intensity: You don’t need to power-walk or break a sweat. A casual, easy-paced stroll works perfectly, as long as you start within 15–20 minutes of finishing your meal.
Keep it flexible: Bad weather? Pace around your living room, walk up and down a hallway, or tidy up the kitchen. Any light movement counts.
Anchor it to lunch: Make it a rule that your workday break ends with a brief 10-minute loop outside before you sit back down at your computer.

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Fitness

When Was the Last Time You Gave Your Brain Something New to Solve?

We wake up, answer messages, work through familiar routines, and make many of the same decisions we’ve made before.

Most of us understand the importance of exercising our bodies. We walk, lift weights, stretch, or try to stay active because we know muscles weaken without regular use.

But how often do we think about exercising our brains?

If your days follow the same routine—driving the same route, scrolling through familiar apps, watching similar shows, and solving the same problems at work—your brain may not be getting the variety it needs to stay adaptable.

The good news is that challenging your brain doesn’t require expensive programs or hours of study. Small, consistent changes can stimulate different parts of the brain and help keep your mind engaged.

Why Mental Challenges Matter

Your brain is remarkably adaptable. Scientists call this ability neuroplasticity—the brain’s capacity to form new connections and reorganize itself through learning and experience.

Every time you practice a new skill, solve an unfamiliar problem, or experience something different, your brain creates and strengthens neural pathways.

While no activity can guarantee protection against cognitive decline, research suggests that staying mentally active may help build what’s known as cognitive reserve. This reserve may help the brain better cope with age-related changes.

In simple terms, your brain becomes stronger when you give it meaningful work to do.

A Simple Observation That Changed My Perspective

One thing I’ve noticed when intentionally learning something new—even something as simple as using unfamiliar software or trying a beginner’s language lesson—is how mentally tiring it feels at first.

It’s tempting to switch back to what’s comfortable.

But after sticking with it for a few days, that initial frustration often turns into curiosity. Tasks that once seemed difficult become easier, and there’s a satisfying sense of progress that passive entertainment rarely provides.

It’s a reminder that feeling challenged isn’t necessarily a sign you’re struggling. Often, it’s a sign your brain is working exactly as it should.

Signs Your Brain May Need More Stimulation

You don’t need to be experiencing serious memory problems to benefit from mental exercise.

You might simply notice that you’re:

Relying heavily on routines
Feeling mentally “stuck”
Struggling to stay focused
Forgetting small details more often
Avoiding activities that require learning
Feeling bored despite being busy

These experiences are common and can have many causes, including stress, poor sleep, or information overload. Adding healthy cognitive challenges won’t solve every issue, but it can become an important part of supporting overall brain health.

Seven Ways to Challenge Your Brain

1. Learn Something Completely New

Novelty is one of the brain’s favorite forms of exercise.

Consider learning:

A new language
Photography
Coding
Cooking unfamiliar recipes
Gardening techniques
A musical instrument
Basic drawing or painting

The goal isn’t mastery. It’s exposing your brain to unfamiliar patterns and problems.

2. Read Outside Your Comfort Zone

If you always read thrillers, try history.

If you usually read business books, explore psychology or science.

Different topics encourage different ways of thinking and expose you to new vocabulary, concepts, and perspectives.

3. Choose Active Entertainment

Instead of only consuming content, create something.

Ideas include:

Writing short stories
Journaling
Sketching
Building models
Solving logic puzzles
Playing chess
Learning strategy games

These activities engage planning, memory, creativity, and problem-solving at the same time.

4. Change Your Routine

Our brains become efficient through repetition, but efficiency isn’t always the same as stimulation.

Try:

Taking a different walking route
Brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand
Rearranging your workspace
Shopping at a different grocery store
Trying a new recipe each week

These simple adjustments force your brain to pay closer attention instead of running on autopilot.

5. Move Your Body

Physical activity supports brain health as well as heart health.

Regular exercise helps improve blood flow to the brain and has been associated with better mood, memory, and cognitive performance.

You don’t need marathon training.

Even consistent walking, cycling, swimming, strength training, or dancing can make a meaningful difference.

6. Stay Social

Conversation is surprisingly complex.

Listening, remembering details, interpreting emotions, responding thoughtfully, and adapting to changing discussions all challenge the brain.

Meaningful social interaction is an often-overlooked form of cognitive exercise.

7. Prioritize Sleep

Many people focus on brain games while overlooking sleep.

During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, clears waste products, and prepares for learning the next day.

If you’re constantly sleep-deprived, even the best mental exercises become less effective.

Nutrition Also Plays a Supporting Role

Mental stimulation works best alongside healthy lifestyle habits.

A balanced eating pattern that includes foods rich in nutrients linked to brain health may support normal cognitive function.

Examples include:

Fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Leafy green vegetables
Berries
Nuts
Whole grains
Beans
Olive oil

Hydration is equally important, as even mild dehydration can affect concentration and mental performance.

Common Questions

Are brain games enough?

Brain-training apps and puzzles can be enjoyable and may improve performance on specific tasks. However, experts generally recommend combining them with broader activities such as learning new skills, staying physically active, maintaining social connections, and getting enough sleep for overall brain health.

Is it ever too late to challenge your brain?

No.

Research continues to show that people can learn and develop new skills throughout adulthood. While learning may feel different with age, the brain retains an impressive ability to adapt.

How often should I challenge my brain?

Consistency matters more than intensity.

Even 15 to 30 minutes of meaningful mental engagement several days a week can become a valuable habit over time.

Everyday Ideas You Can Start Today

You don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul.

Choose one or two activities such as:

Read ten pages of a new book.
Learn five words in another language.
Solve a crossword or Sudoku puzzle.
Cook a recipe you’ve never tried.
Visit a museum or local historical site.
Listen to a podcast about an unfamiliar topic.
Start a journal.
Practice a musical instrument.
Take a different route during your evening walk.

Small challenges repeated consistently often have a greater long-term impact than occasional bursts of motivation.

Key Takeaways

Your brain benefits from regular mental challenges throughout life.
Learning new skills encourages neuroplasticity and supports cognitive flexibility.
Variety is often more valuable than repetition.
Physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and social interaction all contribute to brain health.
Small daily habits can help keep your mind engaged without overwhelming your schedule.
It’s never too late to begin building a lifestyle that supports lifelong learning.

Final Thoughts

When was the last time you truly challenged your brain?

Not by checking emails or scrolling through social media, but by learning something unfamiliar, solving a difficult problem, or stepping outside your usual routine.

Keeping your mind active isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about staying curious. Every new experience, skill, or perspective gives your brain another opportunity to grow and adapt.

You don’t have to transform your life overnight. Start with one meaningful challenge today, then another tomorrow. Over time, those small moments of curiosity can become one of the most rewarding investments you make in your long-term cognitive health.

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Fitness

Why So Many People Wake Up Tired — Even After a Full Night’s Sleep

Ever wake up after what should have been a good night’s sleep… only to feel like you could go right back to bed?

If you’ve ever looked at the clock after eight hours of sleep and wondered, “How am I still this tired?” you’re far from alone.

Morning fatigue has become surprisingly common. Many people assume the solution is simply getting more sleep, but that’s only part of the picture. Sleep is less about the number of hours you spend in bed and more about what happens while you’re there.

One thing that became clear while researching sleep health is how often people confuse time asleep with restorative sleep. Someone who sleeps seven high-quality hours may feel far more refreshed than someone who spends nine restless hours in bed.

Understanding why this happens can help you make smarter changes instead of chasing another hour of sleep that may not solve the problem.

Sleep Quantity and Sleep Quality Are Different

Think of sleep like charging your phone.

Keeping it plugged in for eight hours doesn’t help much if the charging cable is loose. Likewise, spending enough time in bed doesn’t guarantee your brain and body complete the restorative work they need.

Throughout the night, your body cycles through several stages of sleep:

Light sleep
Deep sleep
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep

Each stage supports different functions, including:

Muscle recovery
Memory formation
Hormone regulation
Immune function
Emotional processing
Brain restoration

Frequent interruptions—even if you don’t fully wake up—can reduce the amount of deep and REM sleep you receive.

Sleep Inertia: Why You Feel Groggy Even After Enough Sleep

Ever wake up feeling like your brain hasn’t caught up with your body?

That’s often due to sleep inertia.

Sleep inertia is a temporary period of grogginess that occurs when you wake during a deeper stage of sleep. During this time, alertness, reaction time, and decision-making can all be reduced.

For many people, it lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. For others, especially after sleep deprivation or irregular schedules, it can linger much longer.

This is one reason hitting the snooze button repeatedly doesn’t always help—and can sometimes make mornings feel even harder.

Your Internal Clock Matters More Than You May Realize

Your circadian rhythm is your body’s natural 24-hour clock.

It influences:

Sleep timing
Hormone release
Body temperature
Alertness
Digestion
Energy levels

When this rhythm becomes disrupted, your body may struggle to produce restful sleep, even if you’re technically asleep for enough hours.

Common disruptors include:

Late-night screen time
Shift work
Frequent travel across time zones
Sleeping in dramatically on weekends
Inconsistent bedtime routines

Many people experience what researchers sometimes call social jet lag—a mismatch between weekday and weekend sleep schedules.

Hidden Reasons You May Wake Up Tired

Morning fatigue often results from several small factors rather than one obvious problem.

1. Chronic Stress

Stress doesn’t always keep you awake.

Sometimes it allows you to fall asleep but prevents your nervous system from fully relaxing throughout the night.

Ongoing stress can affect cortisol rhythms, increase nighttime awakenings, and reduce deep sleep.

2. Undiagnosed Sleep Disorders

Some conditions interrupt sleep repeatedly without the person realizing it.

These include:

Obstructive sleep apnea
Restless legs syndrome
Chronic insomnia
Periodic limb movement disorder

People with sleep apnea, for example, may briefly stop breathing dozens of times each hour without remembering these events the next morning.

Loud snoring, gasping during sleep, morning headaches, or excessive daytime sleepiness are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

3. Poor Sleep Hygiene

Sleep hygiene refers to the habits that support healthy sleep.

Small behaviors can have a surprisingly large impact.

Examples include:

Checking emails before bed
Drinking caffeine late in the afternoon
Sleeping with bright lights or television on
Using the bed for work
Going to sleep at widely different times each night

None of these habits alone guarantees poor sleep, but together they can reduce sleep quality over time.

4. Alcohol Before Bed

Alcohol often makes people feel sleepy.

What surprises many people is that it can fragment sleep later in the night, reducing restorative REM sleep and increasing awakenings.

Many people fall asleep faster after drinking but wake feeling less refreshed.

5. Dehydration

Even mild dehydration can contribute to fatigue, headaches, and reduced concentration.

Because we naturally lose fluids overnight through breathing and perspiration, starting the morning dehydrated isn’t unusual.

Drinking water after waking can help, although hydration alone isn’t a cure for chronic fatigue.

6. Nutritional Factors

Skipping meals, eating heavy meals immediately before bed, or having nutrient deficiencies may all influence energy levels.

Iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and inadequate overall nutrition can contribute to persistent tiredness, though only proper medical evaluation can determine whether these are factors.

7. Mental Health

Depression, anxiety, and chronic stress often affect sleep in ways that aren’t always obvious.

Someone may sleep longer than usual yet still wake feeling exhausted because the brain isn’t experiencing restorative sleep patterns.

Mental health and sleep influence one another in both directions.

The Surprising Role of Sleep Debt

Sleep debt accumulates when you regularly sleep less than your body needs.

Many people try to “catch up” on weekends.

While extra sleep can reduce some of the effects of sleep loss, it doesn’t completely erase weeks of insufficient sleep or restore a disrupted body clock overnight.

Consistent sleep schedules generally provide greater long-term benefits than occasional marathon sleep sessions.

Practical Ways to Wake Up Feeling More Refreshed

Improving sleep doesn’t always require dramatic changes.

Small, consistent habits often produce the biggest improvements.

Keep a consistent sleep schedule

Try waking up at approximately the same time every day—even on weekends.

Get morning sunlight

Natural light soon after waking helps reinforce your circadian rhythm and supports healthy melatonin production later that evening.

Even 15 to 30 minutes outdoors can make a meaningful difference.

Create a wind-down routine

The brain benefits from predictable signals that bedtime is approaching.

Consider:

Reading a book
Gentle stretching
Meditation
Listening to calming music
Reducing bright light exposure

Limit caffeine later in the day

Caffeine’s effects can last several hours.

If falling asleep isn’t difficult but staying asleep is, afternoon caffeine may still be affecting sleep quality.

Stay physically active

Regular exercise supports deeper sleep, though vigorous workouts immediately before bedtime may not suit everyone.

Make your bedroom sleep-friendly

A comfortable sleep environment often includes:

A cool temperature
Darkness
Minimal noise
Comfortable bedding
Limited electronic distractions

When Morning Fatigue May Signal Something More Serious

Occasional tired mornings happen to everyone.

However, consider speaking with a healthcare provider if you experience:

Persistent exhaustion despite adequate sleep
Loud snoring with pauses in breathing
Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating that affects daily life
Fatigue lasting several weeks without improvement

A medical evaluation can help identify conditions such as sleep disorders, thyroid problems, anemia, medication side effects, or other health issues.

Common Questions

Is it normal to wake up tired every day?

No. While occasional fatigue is common, consistently waking up exhausted isn’t considered a normal part of healthy sleep and may indicate poor sleep quality, lifestyle factors, or an underlying medical condition.

How many hours of sleep do adults usually need?

Most adults benefit from 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, though individual needs vary.

Why do I feel more tired after sleeping longer?

Sleeping significantly longer than usual may disrupt your sleep cycles, contribute to sleep inertia, or reflect an underlying issue that caused the extra sleep in the first place.

Can stress really affect sleep even if I don’t wake up?

Yes. Stress can alter sleep architecture, making sleep less restorative even when you don’t consciously remember waking during the night.

Key Takeaways

Feeling tired after a full night’s sleep is more common than many people realize.
Sleep quality often matters as much as sleep duration.
Circadian rhythm, sleep disorders, stress, lifestyle habits, and overall health all influence how refreshed you feel.
Consistent routines, morning sunlight, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene can improve restorative sleep over time.
Persistent morning fatigue deserves attention and may warrant a conversation with a healthcare professional.

Final Thoughts

Waking up tired isn’t always a sign that you need more sleep—it may be a sign that your sleep isn’t giving your body what it needs.

The encouraging news is that many of the factors affecting morning energy are modifiable. Paying attention to your daily routine, bedtime habits, and overall health can gradually improve the quality of your sleep and how you feel when the day begins.

If you’ve been struggling with morning fatigue for weeks or months despite making healthy lifestyle changes, don’t dismiss it as something you simply have to live with. A healthcare provider or sleep specialist can help determine whether an underlying condition is interfering with your rest.

Sometimes the most important change isn’t adding another hour to your night—it’s improving the quality of the hours you already have.

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