Do you remember the feeling of being in a mood that is so great you feel like you can accomplish anything? Have you ever wondered why you’re bursting with energy and feeling more motivated than ever after going for a run or a long walk outside? Exercise as simple as running does things to your overall well-being, and today, we are going to find out how it happens. If you have been feeling down, sluggish, and under the weather lately, it’s time to ask yourself, when was the last time you went out for a run? More than body sculpting, muscle building, calorie-burning, and aesthetic improvement, running can do wonders to your mind and body.
The Effects of Running on Your Mental Health
Running is more than just sweating out all the extra pounds you gained from that extra slice of pizza or that bowl of rice you had last week. It has an indirect impact on your mental health too.
Lessens Anxiety
People who suffer from anxiety have a hard time managing their thoughts. Some who have it worse develop paralyzing physical symptoms that hinder them from living life to the fullest. Those who go for regular runs find it easier to combat anxiety because they are becoming more mindful of their physical state instead of their thoughts. Their energy is also spent in activity and motion instead of focusing on things that trigger their anxiety. Simply put, we can consider this a natural treatment for anxiety as it stimulates the release of happy hormones that help stop the flow of negative thoughts and worries that contribute greatly to your anxiety levels.
Reduces Stress
Stress is a powerful force that can ruin your functioning and productivity. More than the emotional and mental effects it brings, it also translates physically in the form of stiff, aching, or tensed shoulders, muscles, neck, face, and back. Running helps in reducing your stress levels through the production and release of endorphins in the brain. It relaxes the muscles, relieves tension, and eases aches caused by stress. If you have been feeling these for a while now, it’s time to stop the cycle and create a better and healthier one. Start the habit by picking up your running shoe and go for a run. Find the perfect pair for you at shoesvela.com, the perfect shoes will upgrade your running experience in no time.
Combats Depression
The symptoms of depression can be self-debilitating. Hence, those who suffer from the condition are sometimes left with no choice but to take medications that come with side-effects that interfere with their daily lives. Over the years, it has been proven that running is as effective as taking medications for those who suffer from mild to moderate depression. Regular running in as short as 15 minutes a day can significantly reduce the risk of having major depressive disorders by as much as 26%, a Harvard study once noted. With this being said, we can say that going for a run can have explosive bursts of good energy and mood improvement in your brain and body. This positions your mind and mental health into a calmer, more stable, and healthier state.
Revolutionizes Your Mental State and Capabilities
When you go for a run and develop a habit, you put yourself to an advantage because your mental health is improved drastically. When you run regularly, your brain releases hormones that generate new brain cells to make your thinking and memory sharper. You also improve not only your stance, gait, and physical appearance, you also bank on your self-esteem. Since the amount of sleep you get in a day affects your mental status, running amazingly regulates your circadian rhythm or sleeping patterns into one that gets you the quality of rest and amount of hours of sleep you need in a day. As you continue the habit of running, your mind becomes healthier and more resilient in ways that it is able to cope better in the midst of crisis, chaos, and stress. This diverts your coping mechanism and methods into a healthier one as it serves as a good diversion from the possibility of taking in drugs, alcohol, or engaging in other destructive behaviors.
Conclusion
The habit of running gives you leverage in life. Apart from having regular bursts of energy to spend throughout the day, you also invest in your mental health. You look better and you feel better more than you have ever felt before. The start may be tough and making it a habit may feel impossible at first, but with discipline and constant tries, you will be able to establish your running routine. In this way, you also build a healthier, calmer, more relaxed, and productive routine that will help you maximize and get ahead in life. You may also want to read the history of running shoes to make sure you get the most out of your running routine.