The "Happiness Quotient" in exercise

 This election cycle has created a bitter divide in America. Many people see the social progress of the Obama years being threatened: reproductive rights; equality of the races and genders; universal health care; climate change controls; social justice.
   Others see this election as a return to traditional values: respect for police and authority; a thought process of helping Americans, and America, first; "draining the swamp" of corruption in Washington; the return of "smokestack" jobs; taking the restrictions off of small businesses; restoring rural and small-town life; an end to illegal immigration and "political correctness.".
    How does this relate to fitness? Exercise releases endorphins "the feel good drug" within your brain. With the constant drone of CNN, Fox, and MSNBC, and the tons of information, opinions, and lies on social media, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and agitated at times. A good workout of any kind helps alleviate those feelings, and can even help you to relate to others on the other side of the political spectrum.
      The October/November edition of AARP Magazine had an interesting feature entitled "Younger Next Year,"  by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, M.D. There are many salient points, but for the sake of the article, we'll focus on the brain, and how it relates to happiness.
      The authors differentiate between three parts of the brain - the reptilian, limbic; and thinking.
The reptilian is described as the purely physical brain, and has control centers for fear and aggression - it runs on negative reinforcement.
       The limbic brain is the emotional brain, and is what separates mammals from reptiles. It is involved in love, play, social interaction; and the bond between parents and children. It is based on connection with others: collaborative work, leisure or sport..
       The thinking brain is the language of thought and words.
        The three parts of the brain are all wired together, and fitness involves all three. My reptilian brain takes over when I am in a race or any competitive situation: Push! Survive! Win!
        The thinking brain takes precedence in a long run. I think of larger issues, try to figure myself out, or others. Why do they think the way they do? And why do I think the way I do? Democrat or Republican? Hillary or Trump?
        The limbic brain is involved in the interplay in exercise. Commiserating over a hard workout; sharing training philosophies in-between sets on the bench press. Group Private Training sessions and  runs certainly involve the limbic brain. I've had some of my deepest conversations in the midst of 12-mile runs from Long Branch to Asbury Park and back.
        The authors feel that the interplay that involves the limbic brain is the key to happiness. Create your own positive environment, and get away from negativity, on television, in the workplace, or outside. Surround yourself with interesting people, and don't be afraid to interact with others that look, dress, or think differently. Don't let the reptilian brain take over your life!