We have a change of pace for you today. We’re going somewhat technical (don’t worry, it’s all understandable!) as Emma invites onto the show, Dr Hilary Marusak to talk about the brain and how it can relate to play or more specifically in movement based activity. We’re peeling back the layers and brain science of the ‘runners high’ how it happens and how to get it (not just from running!)
Dr. Marusak is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University (WSU) School of Medicine in Detroit Michigan where she directs the WSU THINK Lab, which focuses on characterising the impact of stress and trauma during childhood on brain development in children and adolescents.
In this episode, Emma and Hilary discuss (with timestamps):
00:00 - Introductions
03:03 - Losing childhood curiosity / keeping playfulness
05:35 - The Cannabinoid system
12:24 - What impact does exercise have on this system?
14:01 - The runner’s ‘high’
14:54 - Endorphins vs Cannabinoids
16:38 - Emma explains her definition of play
19:24 - Does play have an impact on the brain?
21:12 - Playful movement & Freedom play
26:03 - Matching movement to psychological benefits
29:43 - Natural high vs Drug induced high
35:04 - Exercise as a tool for helping with trauma exposure
37:06 - Is movement undervalued in everyday life?
38:38 - Free play vs Structured exercise
42:14 - Tips for natural movement based highs
To find out more about Hilary, check out the links below:
https://psychiatry.med.wayne.edu/profile/eq0200
X - @hmarusak
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DR HILARY MARUSAK: THE RUNNERS' HIGH