The All-Mighty Regulator
How cool is that??
As you likely know, our bodies are composed of many systems performing various miraculous functions, unconsciously throughout our bodies, each and every day. I want to tell you about theendocannabinoid system (ECS) and how regular exercise fires it up and helps us experience happiness, hope, connection, and courage.
The ECS is said to be an all-mighty regulator that is found all around the body, such as in the brain, immune cells, and connective tissue. The ECS provides immediate feedback, adjusting levels of activity in functions such as hunger, sleep, immune function, memory, pain control, and alertness to name a few. Perhaps we could call it, the great balancer with homeostasis as its number one goal. Kelly McGonigal (2019) in the book, The Joy of Movement describes endocannabinoids as the “don’t worry, be happy” chemical. The amygdala and prefrontal cortex are especially rich in endocannabinoid receptors and regulate the stress response. When these molecules are received by their receptors, the individual can experience a reduced sense of anxiety, inspire a sense of contentment, and increase dopamine. Additional benefits of an active ECS are less fear and less pain. Regular activity and exercise help increase the thickness of the Endocannabinoid receptors in the brain which leads to experiencing all the above benefits more often and more potently. So to recap, regular exercise helps the individual feel less stress, more content, and great sense of accomplishment.
Recently, my husband and I started working out together at home for time management purposes where we used to do the same workout but separately. I’ve communicated many times that I enjoy doing the workouts together. I assumed it was because we challenge one another to lift heavier and are suffering through it together. Talk about a dopamine high when we come out the other side! McGonigal (2019) presents an added benefit to our ‘group’ workout. Endocannabinoids increase a person’s enjoyment of being around other people. Exercise helps many people feel that they are more caring, and have more positive interactions, and couples who work out together report feeling loved and supported by their partner. All this is in association with endocannabinoids and the ECS. #winning! Recap, exercising with others can increase a person’s enjoyment of social interactions, inspire them to experience situations more positively, and help them feel a greater sense of connection and love from their exercise partner/spouse.
This is my favourite part! McGonigal (2019) describes a discussion amongst anthropologists regarding people’s early survival, hunter-gatherer, and sharing behaviours. Groups would hunt, chase, and forage for food tirelessly before they would come together and share in the feast. Their brain's reward system would be fired up, and their nervous systems would synch up with one another as they regulate and unwind around the campfire sharing in the fruits of their hunt. Fun Fact: Sitting around a campfire, is associated with social bonding. Additionally, McGonigal (2019) explains that sharing food with others provides a unique sense of security and belonging, acknowledging that we are amongst our tribe (I love that!). Physical activity is intimately associated with a sense of connection to others. The more physically active a person is, the more rewarding these experiences become, making the brain more sensitive to any pleasure that activates the ECS.
If you are feeling dysregulated, discombobulated, detached, or lonely try making a personal commitment to move for at least 20 minutes several times a week as a potential antidote. Understand that persevering and sticking to your commitment holds immense neurochemical rewards. And remember, you’ve got this!
References
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569
McGonigal, Kelly. (2019). The Joy of Movement. How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage. Penguin Audio.