It has long been known that exercise releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin that have a positive impact on our state of mind.

However, more recent research has gone a little further in exploring exactly why it is that exercise makes us feel so good. It turns out that when muscles contract, they secrete chemicals known as myokines into the blood stream.

Scientists now refer to these myokines using the much more memorable term, Hope Molecules.

When these Hope Molecules reach our brain, they act as an antidepressant, improving both our mood and our ability to learn, along with protecting our brains from the negative effects of ageing.

However, research shows that trends are going in the wrong way. Young people are spending more time on devices, and less on exercise. In a study of 40,000 children in the United States, it was found that after more than one hour of use per day, screen time was correlated with lower psychological wellbeing, less emotional stability, and interestingly, lower levels of curiosity, which is a key driver of learning.

Let’s work together to free the Hope Molecules at AISM!

Just15 minutes of daily exercise is a great start to accomplishing this.

So next time you feel a little low, avoid spending too long in front of Netflix or falling into the trap of endless scrolling on your phone. Get that body moving instead, whether it involves going for a walk, playing a sport, going to the gym or dancing like there’s no tomorrow.

Free the Hope Molecules!

Children’s Festival