Stephanie Case describes her midrun glow this way: “I feel connected to the people around me, the loved ones in my life, and I’m infinitely positive about the future.” While runners have a reputation for praising the exercise high, the side effect is not exclusive to running. A similar bliss can be found in any sustained physical activity, whether that’s hiking, swimming, cycling, dancing, or yoga. However, the high emerges only after a significant effort. It seems to be the brain’s way of rewarding you for working hard. Why does such a reward exist? And more important, why would it make you
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