Did you know - the post-exercise euphoria isn’t caused by endorphins? It’s down to your body's own cannabis-like compounds!
You’ve just finished a workout - face red, sweaty tache, heart pounding. And yet, somehow, you feel amazing. Euphoric, even. For years, this buzzing post-workout feeling has been chalked up to being a rush of endorphins. You’ve probably heard it a million times, “It’s the endorphins kicking in!”
Well, spoiler alert: it’s not actually the endorphins. Wait… what?!
Recent research from David Linden, Ph.D., a professor of neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says that lovely little high you get after a sweaty session isn’t down to endorphins at all. It's caused by your body’s natural supply of endocannabinoids - the same type of chemical compounds found in cannabis. This is why your body loves CBD, it's like seeing a familiar friend.
Why does our body need endorphins?
Endorphins are great. They do play a role in helping us deal with pain - like a natural painkiller your brain releases when you’re injured, stressed, or, yes, mid-exercise. But here's the catch: endorphins are large molecules that can’t cross the blood-brain barrier very easily. That means while they may be floating around your bloodstream post-workout, they’re not the ones giving you that feel-good, floaty vibe in your head.
Johns Hopkins University researchers explain this beautifully in their article “The Truth Behind ‘Runner’s High’ and Other Mental Benefits of Running”. They say endorphins do help reduce physical discomfort, but when it comes to that uplifting, peaceful mental state after exercise — it's actually thanks to endocannabinoids.
Meet the bliss molecule: Anandamide
One superstar endocannabinoid is anandamide — and trust us, you're going to want to remember that name. This glorious little compound is often nicknamed the 'bliss molecule', and for good reason.
‘Ananda’ is Sanskrit for bliss, joy, and delight, and anandamide lives up to its name. It’s naturally produced by your body during - you guessed it - exercise. And unlike endorphins, anandamide is small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, so it can travel into your brain and trigger feelings of calm, happiness, and even mild euphoria.
Think of it as your body’s own inner chill pill. Only it kicks in when you're sweating it out, moving your body, and getting your blood pumping. So next time you’re in downward dog, or sprinting through that final kilometre, or doing burpees (bless your soul) — that wave of “ahhhh” afterward? That’s anandamide doing its thing.
If you're new to CBD, here's what cannabinoids are...
You’ve probably heard of cannabinoids before. They’re the active compounds in cannabis that make people feel relaxed, giggly, or just generally good. But here's the cool part: your body produces its own version of these, called endocannabinoids. (The prefix ‘endo’ just means ‘within the body’.)
And just like plant cannabinoids, endocannabinoids bind to receptors in your brain and nervous system, helping to regulate everything from mood and memory to pain, sleep, appetite, temperature and stress levels.
Why movement is so mood-boosting
At The Tonic, we’re all about movement that feels good and helps with long term resilience to what the menopause throws at us - not punishment, not guilt trips, not burning off that cheeky croissant. And this science is another reason why joyful, regular movement is such a powerful tool for mental wellbeing.
That buzz you feel after a good workout? It's chemical. And it’s meant to happen. Your body is hardwired to reward you for moving, not just with a stronger body, but with a happier, calmer, clearer mind.
So whether it’s a walk in the park, a sweaty dance session in your kitchen, or a flowy yoga class, you’re not just getting fit, you’re bathing your brain in its own natural bliss juice.
✅ That post-workout high = not endorphins
✅ It’s actually thanks to endocannabinoids
✅ One of them is anandamide, the 'bliss molecule'
✅ Anandamide can cross the blood-brain barrier and makes you feel amazing
✅ You’re basically getting naturally high when you move your body
✅ You’re welcome 😘
Read the full article from Johns Hopkins University here:
👉 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-truth-behind-runners-high-and-other-mental-benefits-of-running
