It has long been believed that exercise creates a pleasant experience because of release the endorphine hormone. There has however long been a problem with the hypothesis, because the endorphine molecules that are released into the bloodstream during exercise are too big to pass the brain-blood barrier and act the neurons. Now it has been discovered that there are areas in the brain that release endorphins during exercise. These molecules then bind to the receptor cells in the brain, creating positive and pleasant effects. The release centres are in the cortex and insula. Encan reduce depression and chronic pain, and increase concentration and memory. It is believed that the release of endorphins during exercise has had an evolutionary function. This is because the hunting techniques of our ancestors demanded constant movement.
3 Comments
New
6/12/2011 01:35:13 am
Seems like the evolutionary theory explains everything! I've actually came to understand why running felt so good. I've had experiences of this "Runner's High" effect when i joined the cross-country team. No matter how tiring it was, a lap completion was somehow so rewarding.
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Mr Hansson
6/13/2011 05:31:36 pm
New, yes evolutionary theory can explain a lot. We have to be careful, however, so it won´t turn into a "kitsch" theory, a concept you have introduced to me. Something that explains and predicts everything, a dimension of kitsch if I have understood it correctly?
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New
6/14/2011 12:52:31 am
Exactly, it's a strive to rationalize everything. Everything needs an answer. Even the slightest or the most far fetched explanation may offer comfort to people. But I'm pretty sure that the world would turn into chaos if Kitsch didn't exist. It's interesting to see things in a different perspective, but in the end, i'd rather conform into the world of Kitsch.
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AuthorThis is my class blog for IB Psychology. Here I will publish reflections on psychology, reviews of psychology books, recommended links, lecture notes, and information on psychology topics that are not covered by the syllabus. You are free to add comments or ask me questions. Archives
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