‘Run’ Away from Stress

Relax Your Mind, Run Baby Run

You might live in a palatial house, swim in millions of dollars and possess every latest gadget available in the market but when you are stressed none of these matters. You yearn for peace and some quality time with your family and friends. During such low-tide phases exercising seems to be the best stress buster that relieves your anxiety and relaxes your mind. Some people prefer to take a dive in the sea, do some laps in the serene pool or hit the gym for some vigorous-intensity workout while a few others need some quality time with nature by going for a walk/run/jog in the quiet neighborhood outside. Maybe that’s why we sometimes see our next-door friend running outside at almost 10 in the night! Not a fitness freak but in need of peace!

A new study published in the journal Neurobiology of Learning & Memory has come out with an encouraging result that running helps to curb the negative impact chronic stress puts on the hippocampus. The study focused on the hippocampus as this is the region of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Strong neuron connectivity (also known as synapses) forms long-lasting memories and recall abilities in the hippocampus. Such synaptic strengthening is called long-term potentiation (LTP). Stress impacts all these processes in a row-it weakens synapses, decreases LTP and ultimately impacts memory. Exercising helps avoid dip in LTP levels and keeps them normal.

The study tested two groups of mice in which one group was kept active while the other group remained sedentary. Half the mice in both the groups were exposed to stressful situations such as swimming in cold water or walking under elevation. Comparisons revealed that stressed mice which exercised had higher LTP than stressed mice who did not run. Also, stressed mice who exercised performed as good as non-stressed mice which exercised during a maze running experiment which posed as a challenge to their memory. Also, those mice which exercised committed lesser errors than the sedentary ones.

This study is a clear indication of saving our cognitive skills from diminishing in times of stress using exercise as a combat tool. Each of us wish to lead a life devoid of stress and with ample exercise but this can only be a virtual reality. Practically, such a lifestyle is impossible. When we understand that we cannot control external factors that induce stress but have total control on our exercise routines that can stave off stress, life becomes easier and simpler to live. Rather than brooding over things that have already happened or events that have made our present life stressful, get out and go for a run. Your energy levels post-running is a clear indication of the positive effects of exercise on stress. There are quite a few other interesting stress busters too that can have a positive effect on your thoughts and actions. For a list of these, please visit the website www.firsteatright.com.