Ever jumped on the rowing machine after a tough day, thrashed out a 10K, fallen off, collapsed, and suddenly felt like a new man? How about feeling isolated, before boating with your crew for the 6 AM sun rise, and being reminded you’re surrounded by some of the best mates you could wish for?
Us too, and it turns out it’s they’re pretty universal feelings.
Research both within the sport and the wider scientific community is pointing to a simple – perhaps obvious conclusion – that exercise increases mental wellbeing.
But why is this the case, how can we implement these findings into clubs, and how can this knowledge help us beat the silent enemy of youth: Loneliness.
What makes us happy?
We can romanticise the notion of happiness until the end of time; but the real cause of happiness – and thus unhappiness – is now understood in its purest biochemical form.
Current scientific consensus suggests positive feelings are controlled by the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. The higher the level of available neurotransmitters in the brain, the happier the person with that brain. In fact, our most common antidepressants work on this basis, with SSRIs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) slowing the speed at which serotonin is absorbed by neutrons, so more is available to transmit messages in the brain, increasing feelings of positivity and happiness.
But how does that help rowers?
Recent research has shown that vigorous exercise encourages the brain to feel the effect of mechanisms that work in a similar way as antidepressants, increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, and thus increasing happiness levels; which is why that all-out erg just feels so good.
Which means, you too can unlock the power of rowing and your brain.
How, I hear you ask? Simple. Thrash that erg, push away from the rest at your next race, and do that extra rep next time in the gym; feel the power of your brain push you to gold.
What about loneliness?
We all feel lonely from time-to-time, but recently, this feeling has become chronic for millions. As of 2010, 60% of 18-34 year olds in the UK reported “often feeling lonely”. Loneliness is a purely subjective feeling, and there is no magic bullet or simple cure. In fact, loneliness is amongst the deadliest things we can experience as humans. It makes us age faster and our immune systems weaker; and is 2 times as deadly, and as poor for your health as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.
But perhaps the most dangerous thing about loneliness is that once it becomes chronic, it becomes self sustaining.
So how do we break the cycle?
Reaching out to friends and interacting may sound simple and unscientific, but is the most effective cure we have for loneliness right now. So invite someone else for drinks after a session next week, ask your coach how their day was, or smile and say ‘hi’ to the new girl on the bank.
“If we work together, we can continue to make rowing one of the most beneficial sports physically, mentally, and socially.”
Ed Evans
Opinions Editor
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