Why does Exersice help with Withdrawal Symptons?

[Fenix Rising]

Hi fellow Fapstronauts,

I was thinking about correlation between hard mode and exercise. I understand exercise make us feel good because it "increases in the levels of brain opioids and, presumably, endocannabinoids, both of which can produce all of these short-term psychoactive effects. We also know that endocannabinoids and opioids can indirectly activate dopamine cells of the ventral tegmental area (the VTA, a key portion of the pleasure circuit) and thereby stimulate the medial forebrain pleasure circuit."

Now here comes my problem. We know that exercise can be addictive as it releases the same brain chemicals as orgasm does. So do we not just exchange one addictive behavior for another, when we stop PMOing and begin exercising? Does our brain heal at all if we do "hard mode" and exercise daily? Is dopamine fix, dopamine fix, no matter where it comes from or is there a difference?

I know that the only thing that temporary ease my withdrawal symptoms during hard reboot is vigorous exercise. But is it not the same as PMOing as brain is concerned? Does it negatively effect recovery processes?

 

[Fenix Rising]

Interesting article Exercise, pleasure and the brain, related to the topic. It makes you think how much truth is in former addict's citation: "You know, once you're an addict, you're always an addict, so just because I found something good to do doesn't mean I'm not going to hurt myself doing it."

 

[sherif1987]

Yes but exercise is probably objectively better for you than porn and masterbation. Porn and masterbation wastes your body's sexual energy, which is very integral to the sustenance of life. Exercise is keeping your body and brain sharp.

 

[Fenix Rising]

Yes but exercise is probably objectively better for you than porn and masterbation. Porn and masterbation wastes your body's sexual energy, which is very integral to the sustenance of life. Exercise is keeping your body and brain sharp.

I agree… The only worry is if I'm just substituting one addiction for another without brain rewiring going on. We objectively can't exercise every day (injury, illness, time etc). Does this mean we'll get PMOish withdrawal symptoms when we can't exercise?

 

[BigOne79]

I agree… The only worry is if I'm just substituting one addiction for another without brain rewiring going on. We objectively can't exercise every day (injury, illness, time etc). Does this mean we'll get PMOish withdrawal symptoms when we can't exercise?

I think the exercise is a better habit forming than PMO any day. However there are those that are addicted to exercise and have no other interaction besides that. Although an activity that keeps you healthy being addictive wouldn’t be that bad in my opinion. The brain does provide the release that people are looking for.

 

[Deleted Account]

This is totally wrong. Imagine comparing a heavy smoker who is addicted to nicotine with a professional athlete who plays sport and trains almost everyday. One is destroying his body and exposing it to many kinds of desease and on the other hand theres an athlete who is in perfect shape physically and mentally. Addictions varies and also does their consequences.

 

[Coolyorky]

Exercise is good for increasing cognitive function and the brain in general. Our neurological pathways for pmo are strong. By abstaining from pmo we reduce their strength and things like reading, exercising, learning, meditating and other good habits create new positive pathways. Our dopamine receptors will recalibrate to normal levels and healthy habits will become enjoyable. Plus the health benefits and all the other positive attributes of not being a lazy couch potato