Why Running is Good for Your Mental Health
Although running is a physical exercise, it is an excellent way to improve mental health. When you engage in this effective exercise, it transforms your life and enhances your cognitive abilities. Today’s article will answer why running is good for your mental health and discuss evidence-based benefits of running. Read on!
Key Takeaways
- Running releases endorphins, which relieve stress and induce
- Running increases endocannabinoid levels to reduce
- It streamlines neurogenesis, creating new neurons in the
- It increases blood flow to your brain tissues and
- It regulates your body temperature and contributes to healthy sleep
- It boosts serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin in your
The Science of Running and Mental Health
When you lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement, your body embarks on a biochemical journey that impacts your mental state. According to Hopkins Medicine, your body releases hormones, including serotonin and endorphins, as you run. These hormones are important for mood stabilization and regulation.
For instance, endorphins mask physical discomfort and create a sense of wellbeing. Some people believe that endorphins do not cross the blood-brain barrier. However, this is not true! Researchers at Hopkins Medicine argue that endorphins play a crucial role in the brain, enhancing mood.
According to WebMD, people who run frequently have lower stress and anxiety levels. These people have a more positive outlook on life. Some researchers say that runners have an excellent buffer against depressive symptoms.
Stress Reduction and Anxiety Management
Running is a stress reliever because it is a natural antidote to anxiety. Running involves rhythmic and repetitive motions. It is like moving meditation, giving your brain a mental break from everyday hustle and bustle. At the same time, running fosters inner peace. Research shows that running running has excellent effects on reducing anxiety symptoms and mitigating psychological stress.
A research paper published by MDPI states that running directly affects the central nervous system (CNS), improving mood and cognitive abilities. It also enhances the expression of neurotrophic factors by reducing inflammatory markers. Clinical studies have shown that running contributes to physiological adaptations that slow the anxiety response.
Running is a Natural Remedy for Depression
A systematic review study published by the BMJ found that running has shown a moderate reduction in depression. So, this means running is as beneficial as pharmacological interventions for depression. In addition, running is good for your mental health, particularly in reducing depressive symptoms, because it suppresses cortisol and increases serotonin.
On the other hand, antidepressants come with severe side effects. At the same time, medicines do not improve your physical health. In addition to improving your psychological wellbeing, running can maintain a healthy weight, recover your health, and enhance metabolic mechanisms in your body.
Cognitive Benefits of Running
Researchers and medical professionals have extensively studied its effects on cognitive health. One study found that running different intensities and lengths can positively affect the brain. For example, running is a gene modulator because it induces functional and structural transformations in the central nervous system. That’s why running is good for your mental health.
Besides, changes in your brain can positively impact your cognitive functions. Running is an aerobic exercise with excellent neurophysiological benefits. For instance, according to Science Daily, a ten-minute short run can improve mood, boost brain processing, and release serotonin and dopamine.
Improved Sleep Quality
Running improves sleep efficiency (the ratio of sleeping time to time spent in bed). One research article shows that people who run regularly have longer sleep durations. At the same time, a runner has reduced sleep onset. For example, it decreases the time you take to fall asleep. Researchers have found that running can reduce insomnia symptoms, making it easier for people to achieve a consistent sleep pattern.
In addition, running can regulate and streamline your body’s circadian rhythm (your natural sleep-wake cycle). According to Health Line, exercises like jogging and running can increase endocannabinoid levels. These can cross the blood-brain barrier and induce calm feelings. Running can speed up neuronal production, improving learning and memory.
Moreover, running increases your body’s core temperature. However, the temperature lowers after the exercise, signaling to your body that it is time to sleep. So, falling asleep quickly is directly proportional to your mental wellbeing. The elevated serotonin levels in your brain can positively impact your sleep-wake cycle.
Running and Social Well-being
Running is a fantastic exercise to improve your physical and mental health. However, it also benefits your social wellbeing. For example, when you combine running with social interaction, such as joining a group or club, it improves your mental wellbeing and fosters a sense of community. You can form new friendships when you are part of a running group. Remember, this is directly beneficial to your mental health.
Running is good for mental health because it decreases loneliness and isolation. The reason is that it provides a support system for stress and anxiety management. Moreover, running increases blood flow to your brain and lowers the levels of stress hormones. So you don’t feel isolated and lonely. Instead, you want to socialize with people. Therefore, running is an excellent exercise for physical, mental, social, and emotional wellbeing.
Final Words About Running and Mental Health
If you have depression, stress, or anxiety, you should start running to reduce the symptoms and feel happier and calmer. However, we recommend beginning with short walks and introducing running intervals gradually.
Remember, you must maintain consistency over distance. You can also find a running buddy for motivation. Running is not about perfection; it is about progress. It can surely boost your mood, reduce stress, and enhance sleep.