Emily is the founder of GoAheadRunner, where she and her associates share articles to provide all the information a runner might need, whether you are a seasoned pro or an absolute beginner.
You may try to have a healthy lifestyle. However, sometimes it may be tough to wake up each morning and head to the gym. After a long day, working out may be the last thing you want to pursue.
But you need to remember that running is one of the most excellent ways to enhance your mood. Plus, it also helps relieve your stress. Aside from that, here are five ways running can help you de-stress your life.
5 Ways Running Can Help You Live a Quality Life
Running Stabilizes your Mood
Running helps you improve your mood in many different ways. In fact, people who run on a regular basis tend to acquire less stress than individuals who live sedentary lifestyles. Plus, there is no other way to relieve stress as inexpensively and naturally than running.
Experts suggest that runners experience less anxiety and a decrease in heart rate. Moreover, running balances your blood pressures when they are in a more stressful environment. So, running is great for relieving stress, especially after a long day at work and school. It can also help you feel more able to cope with a bad mood on a day-to-day basis.
Running Increases Your Endorphin Levels
During the 1980’s, it was recognized that the best part of running was the “runner’s high.” It makes runners feel that euphoria, especially after long and intense runs. Other than that, using a treadmill for running also helps runners feel more alive. This is because of the increase in the levels of endorphins in their brain.
Endorphins are the “feel-good” chemicals that your brain releases during certain conditions all throughout the day. However, during running, your brain releases these chemicals at higher levels. This only means that after a stressful day, you can feel better when you choose to run. Also, it may serve as a way to let go of your frustrations.
Running Allows You To Meditate
Running helps you train your body. It also helps meditate your mind. In fact, recent studies have shown that people who run exhibits more balanced brain chemicals compared to those who don’t. They also tend to avoid depression and cope up with stressful circumstances. Running uses calming, repetitive movements. Thus, running is an excellent way to meditate and provide you with a calmer mind.
You’ll find that runners tend to focus more on being mindful of taking their steps while running. As they run they try to keep their body in proper form. This helps them appreciate their body’s capacity to move and being one with the surroundings as they run. All of these things help you decrease stress and help to keep you at peace.
It Create Social Bonds
Running is often done with friends or with other people. These days you can find running clubs and groups that take runs together regularly. These organizations may help you create social bonds and find new friends. All of you may try to discover new routes for running. Individuals who are active in joining running groups may find themselves less stressed or depressed.
Another option is for a runner to compete in a marathon. The running community can be very supportive, but they may also be challenging competitors. There are numerous running events each year and you may find that you and your friends are planning to attend the same event. Training together can be an incredible bonding experience.
Running Helps Improve Your Health
Stress often leads to illnesses and illnesses can increase your stress levels. Stress and disease tend to go hand in hand. What you need to remember is that running on a regular basis helps you enhance your energy. It helps you control your blood glucose levels and can help you if you want to pursue weight loss. Running may also contribute to improving your cardiovascular health.
When you know that you are doing your best to lessen the risk of illnesses, it may help you alleviate stress. Hence, it improves your overall health. What you need is just a training plan for running, and you’re good to go!
In Conclusion
Running is not just a simple, fun, and natural way to get in shape. Running can also relieve your stress and boost your mood. In fact, it helps you produce the natural “feel good” neurotransmitters that fight stress. Also, it helps you find your way to the running community, and it helps you boost your health. All of these things may change your life.
