One in six adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness, with minor issues like stress and anxiety affecting more people than ever. Suicide rates are rising, billions of dollars are being spent on mental health care, and millions of lives are impacted by poor mental health.
While various factors influence mental well-being, a lack of physical activity is a significant contributor. Research shows that physical activity, like running, can positively affect mental health. Adding running to your daily routine is one of the simplest ways to benefit from exercise.
Daily problems and worries might seem minor, but the accumulated stress can lead to serious issues. Almost everyone complains about stress. While we can’t eliminate challenges from life, we can equip our minds to handle them better. Studies indicate that regular exercise helps build resilience against acute stress.
Another study showed that even one session of physical exercise per week helps people respond better to stressful situations. There’s also a link between physical activity and decreased anxiety disorders.
Depression is a severe mental disorder that drains hope and energy. If you’re feeling down, try running. You might have heard of a ‘runner’s high,’ the euphoric feeling some long-distance runners experience. But you don’t need to run a marathon to feel good; shorter running sessions can be just as beneficial. Some studies even suggest that physical exercise can be as effective as antidepressants.
The benefits of running extend beyond mood improvements. Running can also help you excel in various aspects of life. For instance, it has been shown to aid students in learning and memory. Running increases cortisol levels, which are associated with better learning. In a specific study, students who ran performed better academically than those who played video games or did nothing.
If poor concentration, forgetfulness, or procrastination are issues for you, running might help improve focus and attention. A 2014 study confirms that physical exercise enhances executive functions and cognitive control by activating the brain areas responsible for these abilities.
When we can’t achieve our goals, we often feel stressed and frustrated. Starting your day with running can make you more productive, as your brain tends to be most active and creative early in the morning. This early activity can help you make smarter decisions throughout the day.
Running can also boost intelligence. Neuroscientists at Cambridge University found that running stimulates the growth of fresh grey matter, which is crucial for memory, speech, decision-making, self-control, seeing, and hearing. Other research suggests that high-intensity exercises, like sprinting, can improve performance in non-sport activities as well.
Running can add years to your life and improve its quality. Issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect many otherwise healthy people, but running has been shown to slow age-related mental decline. A study revealed that regular runners are less likely to develop dementia even in their 80s. Similarly, a review by professors at the University of Otago concluded that aerobic exercise enhances brainpower, especially in older people.
Your mental state can be influenced by the people around you. Surrounding yourself with positive individuals can help you think positively. Running can be a social activity, and you can join a running club to make new friends if you can’t find a running buddy.
Sleep is crucial for mental health. If you’re struggling with insomnia, a morning run can help you fall asleep more easily and improve the quality and length of your sleep.
Running may not be for everyone, but if you can fit in a short run each day, you might experience its many benefits. It also enhances overall health and reduces the risk of major issues like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. This improved health can positively impact your mood and mental clarity—so why not go for a run today?