The most common explanation for why exercise makes us happy is far too simplistic. The psychological effects of movement cannot be reduced to an endorphin rush. Physical activity influences many other brain chemicals, including those that give you energy, alleviate worry, and help you bond with others. It reduces inflammation in the brain, which over time can protect against depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Regular exercise also remodels the
physical structure of your brain to make you more receptive to joy and social connection. These neurological changes rival those observed in the most cutting-edge treatments for both depression and addiction.
Today on The Broken Brain Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Dr. Kelly McGonigal to talk about how exercise can improve the treatment outcomes for depression, anxiety, and addiction. We discuss the science of why people who are regularly active have a stronger sense of purpose, experience more gratitude, love and hope, feel more connected to their communities, and are less likely to suffer from loneliness or become depressed. We also talk about how during physical activity, muscles secrete hormones into our bloodstream that make our brain more resilient to stress, which scientists call “hope molecules.”
For more on Dr. Kelly McGonigal, be sure to follow her on Instagram @kellymariemcgonigal, and on Facebook @kellymcgonigalauthor. You can find her music playlists on Spotify by searching her name: Kelly McGonigal. Check out her website http://kellymcgonigal.com. You can find her book, The Joy of Movement, right here.
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For more on Dhru Purohit, be sure to follow him on Instagram @dhrupurohit, on Facebook @dhruxpurohit, on Twitter @dhrupurohit, and on YouTube @dhrupurohit. You can also text Dhru at (302) 200-5643 or click here https://my.community.com/dhrupurohit