
Running Towards Better Mental Well-being

When you put on your trainers, you’re probably hitting out for a run for the sake of cardiovascular health, muscle building, or maybe just to make up for a slice of dessert. However, have you ever thought about how it affects your mind? It turns out that hitting the road isn’t doing wonders just for your body but for your mind as well!
Stress Management
Running is an excellent way of managing stress and can help you to boost your body’s ability to handle any existing tension you may have in your head. During exercise like running, your body releases a chemical known as norepinephrine. It moderates the brain’s response to stress.
Sunshine
The number of people with vitamin D deficiency is no joke! Being deficient in this crucial vitamin can lead to many health problems, including bone problems. Ensuring that you run outside on a sunny day can help your body to produce more of this essential vitamin. Vitamin D deficiency has links to depression, and so spending an hour or two in the sun will go a long way in helping you prevent the chances of falling into depression.
Cognitive Health
Now we aren’t claiming that running is a cure for Alzheimer’s, but what we do know is that running helps to boost the brain’s ability to slow cognitive decline, which naturally begins after you pass your mid-forties. Running provides a boost in brain chemicals that can prevent degeneration of the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a portion of the brain believed to control learning and memory. Running between the ages of 25 and 45 mainly tends to boost the prevention of cognitive decline as you age.
Sense of Calm
The body releases these chemicals as we run sure to do a whole lot for our mental health, don’t they! The chemicals also happen to help induce a sense of calm and soothes anxiety. It doesn’t matter whether you are on a treadmill, a trail, or a track – merely getting your entire body in motion helps you face tough times better and with a frame of mind that is more calm and collected.
Brain Power Boost
Cardiovascular workouts help to promote the creation of new brain cells! This improves your brain performance all around, which includes decision making and higher thinking as well as learning. So if you’re feeling bogged down by a project that’s beating you up, or a test you are preparing for, or anything mentally taxing, know that a good run can help you earn some much-needed new brain cells!
Better Sleep
Mental health is highly dependant on good sleep. People struggling with mental health problems tend to also struggle with sleep problems, and in some cases, disruption of sleep or being unable to fall asleep can even trigger spells or conditions. Running is something of a natural sleeping pill if you will. The body raises it’s core temperature when you go out running, and once it colls down, your body has a natural signal that it is bedtime! Sweet dreams!
Increase in Productivity
Mental block? Run it off. The solution to your issues could be just a good run around the block away! Research has revealed that people who make time to bust a workout frequently every week are more productive in the workplace than those who are less active. Of course, this extends to everything that you do – you will enjoy making better use of your time and getting more done in less time! Who doesn’t want more time to enjoy other things in the day, right?
Boost Creativity
If you rely on your creativity in life, then you will significantly benefit from a good run. It boosts your creativity for up to two hours afterward! So no more staring at the walls or waiting for words to miraculously appear on blank pages – slip on your trainers and get running! Think of running as your natural way of hitting the ‘refresh’ button of your mind!
Runners know about the runner’s high for ages. It’s that amazing feeling when your heart starts pumping harder to push your blood throughout your body faster than usual. Eventually, you are on a natural high when your body releases endorphins! So, in addition to all of the listed benefits, you could simply get high on your next workout – naturally!
More in Mental Health
-
`
5 Reasons Why Dad’s Side of the Family Misses Out
Family bonds are intricate and multifaceted, often creating a unique tapestry of connections. However, many people notice a peculiar trend: stronger...
July 12, 2024 -
`
A Quick Guide on How to Get Short-Term Disability Approved for Anxiety and Depression
Living with anxiety or depression poses unique challenges, particularly in the workplace, where stress can exacerbate symptoms. For many, short-term disability...
July 5, 2024 -
`
Why Do People Feel Sleepy After Eating?
Is feeling sleepy after eating a sign of diabetes? Well, not directly. There are many reasons why you feel drowsy after...
June 20, 2024 -
`
What Is High-Functioning Depression? Symptoms and Treatment
High-functioning depression may not be a term you hear every day, but it’s a very real and challenging experience for many....
June 13, 2024 -
`
Kelly Clarkson’s Weight Loss Ozempic Journey – Debunking the Rumors
In a refreshing moment of transparency, Kelly Clarkson, the beloved singer and talk show host, sheds light on her remarkable weight...
June 3, 2024 -
`
What Is the Best Milk for Gut Health and Why?
In recent years, the milk section at the grocery store has expanded far beyond the traditional options. While cow’s milk has...
May 30, 2024 -
`
Do Dental Implants Hurt? Here’s All You Need to Know
When you hear “dental implants,” you might wince at the thought of pain. But do dental implants hurt as much as...
May 24, 2024 -
`
5 Key Differences Between A Psych Ward & A Mental Hospital
Curious about the differences between a psych ward and a mental hospital? You are not alone. With the mental health conversation...
May 16, 2024 -
`
It’s Official! “Selling Sunset’s” Christine Quinn & Husband Christian Dumontet Are Parting Ways
Have you ever found yourself unexpectedly engrossed in the personal lives of celebrities, especially when their stories take dramatic turns? Well,...
May 9, 2024
You must be logged in to post a comment Login