Why does exercise make you feel better? The short answer is that after a time of exercise your brain produces endorphins. Endorphins are opioid like hormones produced by the brain during exercise. They bind neuroreceptors in the central and peripheral nervous system to alleviate pain.
Depression is linked to low levels of certain neuroreceptors including, serotonin. Exercise increases stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and increases the concentration of these neuroreceptors.
The effects of exercise sustained over a period of time often called, “Runner’s High” has proved to relieve anxiety, reduce pain, and stress.