What Causes Runner's High?

After a good distance of running, you might have felt a sensation of happiness. That is the runner's high and some chemicals in your body cause it.
Hosted by: Michael Aranda
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Sources:
www.pnas.org/content/112/42/13...
jeb.biologists.org/content/215...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Image Sources:
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[@60secondsuccess39]

So in that case, running while high must cause a glitch in the matrix.

[@Fillkarre]

*i know kung fu*

[@turritopsis4832]

Griffith did nothing wrong.

[@FonVegen]

Whoa.

[@Insertnamesz]

Can confirm: running is actually enjoyable under these circumstances. Clearly a glitch. ;P

[@josefernandez1077]

60 Second Success Off topic, but I checked out your channel and it's pretty well put together. You deserve to have a bigger following.

[@cruros9084]

As a cross country runner, I can say that after you have run for about 20 mins in a distance run, you start to feel really good and actually enjoy the rest of the run

[@leocelente]

And remember kids, don't do running

[@allisond.46]

Lol.

[@commanderwaddles3483]

Runner's high....the only thing that keeps me doing these crazy ass high intensity workouts lol

[@iota-09]

is tere anyway to get it induced in people who usually don't? it would definitely make working out less boring to me.

[@KendallKotcher]

Have you ran for more than 30 minutes?

[@randysmith7689]

iota-09 yes try doing father running then what you usually do

[@Thesushiboii]

1:15:27 the other day on 10 miles. I'm still kinda chubby and surprised that I did it. But I love it.

[@KendallKotcher]

Mr Jsanch that's awesome that you ran 10 miles!!!

[@niceguy1052]

When the cops are after you. Runner's high

[@tompossessed1729]

Nice Guy Bad boys bad boys what are you going to do when they come for you.

[@niceguy1052]

tom possessed AYYYYYYYY

[@richardsantanna5398]

tom possessed Go home

[@teejjj]

Nice Guy I

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

I once tore a tendon while feeling a runners high and didn't feel a thing. The only thing I noticed was that I was limping badly. Once the runners high wore off I was in so much pain I couldn't even stand up.

[@terryhanks5353]

Keep pushing

[@kyo_qi]

Run with the wind

[@Elfaia]

Everytime I run, I only feel pain, suffering, and ever so closer to the doors of death while gasping desperately for oxygen.

[@carlosvasquez6054]

Elfaia I think is only for people who exercise often

[@iota-09]

so basically, it's impossible to achieve for someone lazy like me... nah, now that i think about it, i never felt like that even when i did exercise often.

[@iota-09]

+tonu c still didn't work(the pain was never a problem anyway)

[@johnnyray9107]

Elfaia ah I see you're doing it right

[@TotodileSmile3721]

Cardio sucks!

[@Nerding4Nature]

Interesting. I have epilepsy and I use cannabinoids as part of my treatment. I used to avoid running if I was feeling susceptible to seizures (for safety reasons) but then I discovered that running actually stopped the seizures. It's probably more effective than my regular medication.

[@NoobGamer-ix2mr]

"Oh no.. I feel like seizure is coming".. *que RUN by awolnation*

[@laela6289]

Nerding for Nature - The Last Grownup in the Woods cool!

[@Nerding4Nature]

@ItzMagzy Lol, naw. I can still groove to a strobe light no problem. I'd just rather not have to do it every time I walk into a room with fluorescent light. I can't dance all the time, you know.

[@radiobiologist]

cannabidiol?

[@seanmcmaster4856]

I love distance running. I'm basically addicted to runner's high.

[@lolllol6693]

Sean's Life same lmao

[@duckinatf2hatv457]

same

[@nightuniverse8314]

@@duckinatf2hatv457 quack

[@lisbethalbertsen8919]

You are not alone 😀

[@creme923]

Smoke weed right when the runners high comes on and see what happens

[@stevenAC2023]

Just got back into running. The first mile was absolute hell, when I was finished I was in soo much pain. I went back to my car and sat there for 5 minutes, got out and busted out 60 push ups. I had blood flooding through all over my body.. something clicked in my brain. I got back on the track and busted out 3 extra miles! When I was finished I felt amazing!🎉🎉

[@afox1689]

I have experienced runner's high. I will tell you, it's definetly not for anyone. Few can get this sensation, music help me achieve runner's high. But I'll tell you, it's honestly one of the best things you can feel. You forget the rest of the world, you forget all the paint and pressure on your body, you just run and it feels like you're on top of the world. Truly a beautiful feeling, a shame only some can experience

[@chadester001]

Can u ? And how to in hance is effect than normal ?

[@rockyap3187]

i finally got a sense of runners high while doing a long distance run as the sun was setting, was such an amazing feeling

[@OPGardevoir]

Runners high is also known as fainting

[@tubertz]

same running is the opposite of happiness

[@roknroll360]

killed me

[@kamilo1175]

If you faint then you're probably overtraining.. Been there done that..

[@lolllol6693]

OPGardevoir no because after i run i get a runners high for about the next couple hours. I just feel so relaxed and euphoric.

[@archaicwolf4292]

That’s more like running overdose.

[@Master_Therion]

Isn't this illegal? My cousin went to prison because he was a "Drug Runner."

[@bxy_939]

The Spin off of Maze Runner 😂 Sorry for your cousin though

[@Master_Therion]

Drug runner is another name for drug smuggler. My cousin, in this case, is fictional. I needed to invent someone to make a joke. But thanks ^_^

[@Scourge93]

ha

[@cluckeryduckery261]

Master Therion ftw

[@feynstein1004]

Lmao mate

[@rainydaylady6596]

Let's put some runners on a hot plate and see how they do.

[@rainydaylady6596]

That would be a neat trick since she's a pile of ashes in a box.

[@oswaldsweezlebogger6826]

jesus christmas this whole thread is fucked up

[@rainydaylady6596]

Hey, all I commented on was putting mice on hot plates. Seems cruel to me. And then I responded to the other person's reply by being honest. My mom passed away and was cremated. She's with my Dad now and that's a happy thought.

[@NekoShiiro93]

Darcy Kahler right ugh

[@rainydaylady6596]

65433234 Hmm an intriguing idea. I'd be happy if they just put them away and never let them out again.

[@why_y785]

From experience you REALLY have to push yourself to achieve runners high. When you feel like giving up or exhausted thats when you push yourself to run faster. Ive felt it running 6 miles trying to keep a pace and not stop while running. Its hell, but the feeling after is so relaxing.

[@BHFJohnny]

I just got back from running and I really think I experienced this feeling. I was quite tired after about 30 minutes, but then something kicked in, I could run faster and pain got reduced significantly. Also BPM went a bit higher from my normal 140-150 bpm to 170-180, with peak maximum 187. Futhermore when I took shower right after the run, my girlfriend joined me and complained that the water is too hot. It felt quite normal to me.

[@danielfitv1896]

I got my first runners high yesterday and I was only running for 15 minutes best feeling ever

[@HarryL2020]

running is now illegal

[@Not-an-Alien]

Good luck catching me

[@oliver9815]

@@Not-an-Alien Hahaha Made my day

[@noonehere4332]

Time to cycle

[@originalbrothafullasoul9033]

@@noonehere4332 I love cycling it’s much better than running

[@noonehere4332]

@@originalbrothafullasoul9033 I would never run 100 km in one day.

[@keslen6969]

You left out the best bit of that quote. "Exercise give you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't kill their husbands."

[@Kimmy-cr8hb]

The past years i've never really had much exercise and have been developing insomnia because of my are stress level. Recently though, I started running. I noticed that I natrually started smiling as I ran. I did not intend to do it but I just couldn't stop. It felt great!

[@chillybluesky]

You learn something new every day. Thanks for this!

[@TheUlumpa]

Running is my hobby for six years or more and i can definitely say when i was on a bad mood i just run 10 to 15 kilometers and when i came back home i was kind of relaxed and when i discovered this scientific fact i was simple blown away , i even didnt know about it , it was simple my brain demanding running when i was stressed

[@olive4naito]

It's possible that some people's endocannabinoid production systems have been damaged through poor lifestyle habits and substance abuse but damage could occur through illness as well. The ability to experience euphoria from running is a sign of good health and truly is a blessing. Studies on whether the system can be repaired through changes in lifestyle would shine more light on the topic.

[@chanceaaronblack2792]

I remember getting a "high" feeling after a day of working at my old job on Black Friday. It was so nice... I worked my body so much that day, more than I ever did before. And It felt so damn good the rest of the day.

[@HansPeter-qg2vc]

Mice can run for 6 km!?

[@HansPeter-qg2vc]

The linked source says "Mice ran, on average, 5.4 km per day" Over an entire day, this sounds a lot more plausible. I do not see how a mouse could run that long of a distance without overheating.

[@GlatHjerne]

"without overheating" lmao

[@NebulaMirage]

MelonFucker69 In other words, becoming exhausted.

[@kalieb2739]

MelonFucker69 Because they cant pant and run at the same time. meaning they cant cool down so they'd "overheat"

[@HansPeter-qg2vc]

Nebula Mirage Not really becoming exhausted. More like actual overheating of a machine. Very few animals can sweat (which is partly why humans are the animals capable of running the longest distance (when disregarding huskies, because when including them, they are the best, but they can only run where it's very cold)). I heard that mice can actually sweat, but only on their feet (so they would overheat if they didn't stop).

[@grndragon7777777]

thank you for visually answering random questions

[@erronblack1]

Jeff Sessions is gonna ban jogging now.

[@rparl]

+

[@Backyardmech1]

I always thought it was a second wind while running. You burn and gasp, then you're cool with the run.

[@shadowfax1903]

I KNEW IT ...I KNEW IIIITTTT... i love going for a run and i try to run 10 km every day unless i am not able to on that day for different reasons ...but after 20 - 30 mins in to the run i feel this sensation of happiness ....forgetting my worries ...not feeling stressed ....i just knew it but didnt know the reason .... Thanks for explaining it mate ... i love science.

[@clxk3376]

@ Michael...remember when you thought that mail box was a hot runner? That video still brings me such joy.

[@PunisherBrutalHeadHunter]

Thank you so much

[@gingiebread1584]

Woop woop I'm finally on time for scishow :D

[@elizabethquigg9113]

People get a runners high after an average of around six miles (though I sometimes get them after as little as two) so don't get discouraged if you don't experience them after short runs, you'll get there when/if you start doing longer runs.

[@nels6991]

Very Cool SciShow! Gotta love that anandamide!

[@rodpalmer5275]

I get the high after a 5k run. It's improved my life so much.

[@h7opolo]

How pertinent ,how uncannily timed. This morning I ran. It was a run day, my body was telling me. I had to get it out, get out, clear my head. I ran a swift 1.8 miles in 16 minutes. About a quarter of the way through, I was feelin' it. The Zen transformed my experience of reality. The pain was negligent, my thoughts were tamed, my body glowing, warm. I run and write to sublimate depression and anxiety.

[@Toerworth]

I came here to learn about running, but was more happy to suddenly see Michael Aranda 😀

[@jamesnye6296]

It's like walking on air, after my long runs it feels like I'm on wheels when I go from running to walking, feels so good

[@anaclet1092]

Watching this just after running

[@stabulouskoda834]

thank you for this..most people don't know we have this system naturally and if more people do it might help with medical legalization

[@estebanromero2986]

Great video. Recently I heard someone talk about a mysterious hum in many places around the earth. It has been supposedly recorded and many believe it is some indication of the apocalypse. I would love a video treating the subject about what "The Hum" really is, so that people know that there's a scientific explanation.

[@JaeshaunDT]

ive long since recognized the similarity between runners high and to that of a very mild/brief marijuana high. after id run id often listen to music but i noticed i processed the music as if i was high on weed to the extent that i was able to analyze the sounds individually and in correlation with each other far in a distinctly different way than sober. the way id describe it is like focusing on each individual part and being able to appreciate how it contributes the rest of the song yet still not losing focus of its entirety in process without even the slightest effort let alone thought of doing so. its very natural in that state. tbh at first when i started running it caught me completely off guard that i was even experiencing a high.

[@TheLifeOfaBichon]

I went for a 5.76 non-stop mile run today four hours ago. Took me 82 minutes to complete. After I came home and showered I got runners high. I felt my nervous system in my entire body all tingly, felt my muscles super relaxed, and my brain super happy with my mood. It just wore off. But this video is true.

[@BadgerBill]

doubt bud

[@djr5995]

Running plus some good energetic tunes rattling my eardrums = high and happy af!

[@MightyAmygdala]

It's a built-in system to reward us when we make it through difficult tasks such as running, cycling, jiu jitsu, etc. It lets us know when it is time to relax, regroup, and do the same thing again the next day. I guess in a way it helps your body adapt to strenuous activity on a repeated basis.

[@thedarklord2497]

0:18 AND HAPPY PEOPLE JUST DON'T KILL! (I am sorry I did that play a year ago at my school and still remember nearly every line)

[@TheLinposterIsSus]

For the first time I got one today. It feels great

[@GPap-jw5sm]

runners high happened to me 2-3 times ...you feel like you can run for ever...and your body doesnt feel pain or need a stop for more oxygen...(notice :usually happens to beginners)

[@Kowaidesuka]

420 run it! 😂

[@thedeadboi2217]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂I'm dying plz call 9-11

[@c.d.dailey8013]

I just got back from the gym. I had two nights in a row with runners high. I recently started a routine of using an elliptical machine. It is like running in that it is fast aerobic exercise. I thought that the runners high was caused by endorphins. With this video I learned something cool. I had no idea humans could produce their own marijuana juice naturally. I didn't know it could be caused by exercise. It does fit my recent experience at the gym. One major benefit of the gym is that I can exercise and enjoy KZbin at the same time. The machines have pockets in the front to hold smart phones. Then I use headphones to listen. Fast and upbeat music is good for an intense workout. That gets me all excited. I found that watching music videos is especially helpful too. Song scenes from movies works too.This ads a visual component. There is some weird imagery out there. That works too. The more campy the better. 80s music videos are especially good for workouts due to the upbeat music and the bizarre imagery. I do imagine weird and wild things with the videos as inspiration. The imagery really enhances the enjoyment of a runner's high. There is good feelings and good images. It really seems like I am high on marijuana. I take marijuana on a rare occasions. Im in California, and it is legal here. It is interesting that exercise can have a similar experience. I do remember one song I enjoyed in my recent workout. It is a good example of a workout song, especially in music video form. The song is so catchy. Now it is in my head. "It's raining men. Hallelujah. It's raining men. Amen."

[@dangerranger3883]

I smoke weed alot and runners high is much better. I think the neurotrophin levels increasing might be the key.

[@han-lb7dr]

bro, i get runners high once in a while. it comes randomly, and when it does, running feels amazing

[@kurzification]

You guys should do a show about firearms or bullets. Something about the different pressures of different calibers/force impact, foot lbs of energy etc.. there are lots of questions you can amswer

[@hk4lyfe59]

After like 20 minutes you just feel like a puppy running around in the backyard, especially if you have music you like blasting in your headphones

[@joebykaeby]

Funny, I've always thought what people call "runner's high" is an escapist hallucination brought on by severe pain in your side, lack of oxygen, and general agony in every part of one's body. (Those are the only feelings I experience while running, so what else was I supposed to think?)

[@James-pb7kr]

I feel anxiety relief when running, but only when it's not competitive and it's next to an ocean.

[@youmaycallmeken]

I thought the reason why you feel a little like you're flying while you run, is because for many parts of the time you have both feet off the ground and you are airborne. (Something that does not happen when you are only walking fast.) However, now I see that in addition to that, there is the high, caused by the act of running.

[@jacobl7451]

the most literal example of “chasing a high” 🏃‍♂️

[@Junior_2023]

Thank's a lot :y

[@actionfan1926]

Great video

[@asherwilkins465]

literally just got back from a high run, but granted in this case that's a run kick started by a dab rig and then followed by a 5k. Still, my head's framerate is like halfed right now.

[@kaelaolsen9251]

Hey Scishow, I've got a question, and I feel like you are just the people to ask: you know the microebrasion cloths(I think that's what they're called)you get with your glasses? Why/how do they clean your glasses and screens so well? Why do they suck up the fingerprints like a sponge? I was just curious. Thank you for the great video!!!!

[@nandarizkiee]

i often got runner high on 3rd km ... it feels soo good afterward and feel that i can run for more and more

[@nataliabuck7130]

I can't wait to start running again. I think about it every day. I'm not even that good of a runner either.

[@MrZinoviy]

This make sense, I'm so happy after derby practice.

[@edwardhernandez7167]

I used to run10-12 min a day at high intensity for cardio because I didn’t have time to waste in the mornings for cardio before weights. 4 days ago I started getting up extra early and for the hell of it on the weekend said I’ll run 20 plus minutes just because. I was maybe 5-7 minutes out from the 20 mark when I finally hit the runners high I used to experience years ago when I was running for distance. I never experienced it when I was running for speed. So now on I run at a low to moderate jog for 20 minutes because weight lifting is still more important to me. Since I’ve been doing that I’ve been getting the runners high every time.

[@rubbers3]

I don't run much (but when I do it's usually to get to the bus or while I'm late for class xD), but I get the same feeling after a good workout session at the gym or after 55+ miles on a bike.

[@smittyjje]

Runners high is amazing. For the hour after a run i feel amazing

[@mintraniz6694]

Is this with just running or any training/exercise?

[@javierantequeraquijano8542]

0:52 The fact that endorphins don't cross the blood brain barrier does not mean they do not interact with brain cells and that they are not responsible for runner's high. Endorphins are usually synthesised inside neurones anyway. I do think endocannabinoids also play a role in runner's high too, but saying that endorphins do not contribute because they do not cross the blood brain barrier is incorrect. Serotonin for example does not cross the blood brain barrier either, but it does interact with brain cells, and no one would dispute that.

[@DanielNyong]

How long does it have to kick in while running

[@coppersky]

That's interesting. I've always wondered that.

[@ziksy6460]

I would normally avoid exerting myself when I have a headache. But today I pushed through it because it was in my schedule to jog. And after about 15 mins, I didn't feel the pain anymore. I just kept up a high pace and it must be because of my runner's high.

[@ccf_1004]

1:30 Poor mice!

[@MusiCaninesTheMusicalDogs]

Oh well... Whenever I feel like ruining again I'll smoke a joint, then. It's less tiring.

[@lortepezlo8433]

I got it like 4 times but the difference is while it happens your strentgh is very powerful.

[@cm3655]

I experienced a 'high' after taking a dump in a public but secluded spot after running for several minutes. Never again.

[@christopherfajardo6447]

I don't know why but ever sense I was 7 I've been able to get a sort of high just by focusing on a certain sound or moment then right after I can stay awake for hours and not get tired or hungry and I can only describe it like that NZT stuff from limitless.

[@xGshikamaru]

The problem with runner's high is the more you run the more you get accustomed to it, so you run longer and longer and it gets worse. 3 years ago I cycled just 30km but got a runner's high I never felt stronger than this. Now up to marathon and half ironman I feel my body is the limiting factor. Still, I enjoy it, and if I don't work out my mood is affected by it. Probably not going any higher in distance but the competition is a nice substitute for this, crossing the finish line beating your target time is a huge sense of accomplishment.

[@tredbobek]

And how much do you need to run to get high? Because boy I only feel exhaustion

[@MerthanE]

Try until you faint next time, Hospitals have opium which is the real "runners high", this video is fake news.

[@downsjmmyjones101]

Probably maintain your aerobic heart rate for 20-30 minutes.

[@MrSober4now]

TredBobek I think it only starts happening when your body gets used to running. But at first, running just sucks like hell; your body is just like why the hell are you making me run for nothing can we just lay back down on the couch and open up another bag of Doritos? 😫

[@scooterbaby8828]

MrSober4now yeah I thought runners high was bs until I got better at running and then there is some euphoria at times on runs

[@obattlefail]

i started running 5 months ago and only now i have been feeling the high, like the last couple of runs that i did these days, and man oh man, does it feel like i just smoked a joint

[@teampingu]

That is some dank long distance you have there...

[@PenitentOne8]

Damn i haven't felt a runner's high like that in a cool minute. Feels good to be back.

[@bogcom]

I freaking love running. Its basically the only thing making me happy, but its a very different feeling from what I get from smoking cannabis, although I have tried strains high in CDB that gives me the same sense of "calm" as running does. It might be interesting to see if CBD acts more like anadamide than other endocannabinoids such as 2-AG

[@shaolinbladeV]

Cbd works more with the anandamide receptor that thc so probably explains why

[@peterstiles1]

That feeling of discomfort regular runners get when they miss a run, or a couple of runs; like you can't get comfortable and keep changing position. Like the muscles want the discomfort 'pained' out of them? That's like a micro version, a miniscule hint of what opioid withdrawal is like. *sourced anon.

[@JesusReyes-el6pz]

I’ve only gotten runners high one time and it was wonderful

[@katybrennan8222]

I used to rollerskates and get the same high!

[@edi9892]

Is it something related: sometimes I was tired but still had to work and after my dinner at 22:00 I went back to my work, but suddenly my fatigue was gone. For a moment I felt full of energy, so that I decided to run to my work place, just to see if I could make it. Back then, I did never run that far, but I made it. On the next day, I felt absolutely ill. Thereafter, I tried to run for the same distance again but failed multiple times, managing only 1/3rd before getting out of breath. I had noticed it before that one can gt tired and suddenly feel awake again for a short moment (often being silly, and agitated), but I didn't know that it could also increase my stamina.

[@danielmanchester3160]

I ran 2 1/2 miles and I felt super focused and hyper but then an hour later I felt like I was gonna be sick and I lost my appetite. Also I took 2 scoops of pre work and lifting heavy for an hour right before running.

[@enzoocampoiii2881]

Im a runner and i got runners high but i did not run because i slept and woke up to the house on fire the rush of adreniline is so hard i cant feel my hands burning because of the fire extingusher is on the fire it just felt warm yet i was getting severly burned.

[@seawalrus916]

everytime I start running I just randomly start laughing ;-;

[@GhostOO9]

I've run Cross country for 4 years and have never experienced such a running high =(

[@Dunkle0steus]

wait, they had mice run for 6 km??? With little mouse legs? Maybe the mice transcended into supersaiyans

[@Ebstract12]

this happened to me when I was working out, I was exhausted mins later I'm lifting weights left and Right ran a mile, and I still had energy left after at first feeling exhausted. it was so weird.

[@Tom-xy9gb]

Haven’t had it for a while I miss it so much... I run cross country training everyday and still hurts.💀

[@hotdogy12345]

Runing at school for the mile, right when I am about to finish, the last sprint, everything just goes numb and I feel invicible

[@sterbenvier2701]

Running and struggling for a bit then it kicked in. Felt like i just started and went further than before.

[@TypicalGoosie]

Running while already high is insane

[@naphthaitalia]

best part of running.

[@2001s]

im gonna do hiit workouts everyday

[@2001s]

ik but i wanna get high :(