New research has helped to explain the phenomenon. Scientists have found that walking briskly or jogging have a relaxing effect thanks to the action of neurons in the brain.
Experiments on mice had shown that when the active rodents experienced stress in their brain triggered "calming" neurons, relieves stress.
During the experiments, the rodents were divided into two groups - one to be active and running, and the rest were inactive.
After studying the brain cells of mice after six weeks of exercise, the researchers found that the "runners."
have formed new neurons that suppress the excitability of the brain - they inhibit the action of nerve cells more active.
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In the second experiment, the researchers placed side experimental into ice water, to allow them under stress.
As expected, in the hippocampus (a brain region involved in forming emotions) includes a large number of neuronal excitability. It indicated that the mice were experiencing stress. At the same time in the brain, "runners" immediately triggered and "soothing" neurons, relieves anxiety. Thus, physically active mice to better cope with stress.
According to Professor Elizabeth Gould of Princeton University in New York, exercise the brain reorganizes in a way that is less anxiety is reflected in its normal operation. It turns out that the brain can change itself to adapt better to the environment.
According to experts, the study of the mechanisms of the brain and its plasticity, give a clue as to how you can help people with anxiety disorders.
The study allowed the paradox. It believes that young neurons in the hippocampus more excitable than mature cells. Therefore, exercises to stimulate the production of new neurons, in theory, would have to intensify anxiety rather than reduce it. But this did not occur because the mechanism that controls the excitability of cells and physical activity it "feeds."
According to the researchers, from the point of view of evolution, alarm response is justified - it helps to survive the weakest individuals, causing them to avoid dangerous situations.
