One in six U.S. adults suffers from mental illness. Issues like stress and anxiety are more common than ever, with suicide rates rising and billions being spent on mental health. Many factors influence mental well-being, but lack of physical activity is a big one. Research shows that exercise can positively impact mental health, and running is one of the simplest ways to get these benefits.
Daily stress can add up, leading to bigger problems, and almost everyone complains about stress. While we can’t eliminate life’s challenges, we can train our minds to handle them better. Studies show that regular exercise helps build resilience to acute stress. Even just one exercise session a week can help you respond better to stressful situations. Another study found that physical activity decreases anxiety disorders.
Depression is a devastating mental disorder that drains hope and energy. If you’re feeling low, try running. This exercise can give you a “runner’s high,” a euphoric feeling experienced by long-distance runners. You don’t need to run a marathon to feel good; short running sessions are also beneficial. In fact, physical exercise has been found to be as effective as antidepressants for those with major depression.
Running doesn’t just improve your mood; it can also help you excel in other areas. For example, it can enhance learning and memory. Research has shown that students who run perform better than those who play video games or do nothing. Aerobic exercise like running has been found to boost brain function.
If concentration, forgetfulness, or procrastination is holding you back, running can help. A 2014 study found that physical exercise improves executive functions and cognitive control by activating parts of the brain responsible for attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.
Feeling stressed and frustrated when you can’t achieve your goals is common. Running in the morning can help you be more productive, as your brain is most active and creative right after waking up, allowing you to accomplish more in the early hours.
Running can also make you smarter. Neuroscientists at Cambridge University found that it stimulates the growth of new grey matter in the brain, which is crucial for functions like memory, speech, decision-making, and self-control. High-intensity exercises, like sprinting, have been found to improve performance in non-sport activities as well.
Running can add years to your life and enhance its quality. It can slow down age-related mental declines, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Studies show that people who run regularly are less likely to develop dementia in their 80s. Aerobic exercise has been found to boost brainpower, particularly in older adults.
Mental states like depression or excitement are contagious. Surrounding yourself with positive people can help you think more positively. Running can be a social activity, too. You can run with friends or join a running club to make new ones.
Lack of sleep can disrupt your mind. If you struggle with insomnia, a morning run can help you fall asleep easier and improve the quality of your sleep.
While running might not be for everyone, even a short daily run can offer numerous benefits. It improves overall health and reduces the risk of major issues like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Better health will likely boost your mood and mental clarity, so give running a try today!
