Physical exercise carries a plethora of health benefits. When you run, endorphins and serotonin are released into the body, improving your mood, boosting your mental health, and improving your memory and general learning skills.
Whether you have never run a mile or are a seasoned gym goer, there will never be a wrong time to get yourself a stylish pair of men’s running shoes and hit the road. While you don’t need to engage in high-intensity workouts to reap the multiple benefits running provides, it is highly recommended to consult with your doctor before starting a new and intensive workout regime.
Reduces Stress
If you have ever wondered why you feel a euphoric high after finishing a run, the answer is fairly simple. After a run, endocannabinoids, a biochemical similar to cannabis, are released in your body. This natural chemical floods your bloodstream and is subsequently carried to your brain.
It works by providing short-term feelings of reduced stress and overall calmness and supporting your body and mind when reacting to stressful or anxiety-inducing situations. For many people, exercise is a sustainable and reliable way to manage stress and anxiety naturally.
Improves Sleep
If you struggle to establish a proper sleep schedule or find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night from broken and disturbed sleep, you will be pleased to know that studies have shown that including running into your daily schedule can contribute to improved and restful sleep.
Chemicals released in the body during and after running help relax the body and encourage deep sleep. An improved and regulated sleep schedule is crucial for good mental and physical health. However, some studies have shown that running too close to bedtime could have the opposite effect, so plan your daily workout wisely.
Promotes Productivity
By engaging in a regularly running schedule, you are not only achieving a healthy and positive mindset but also helping to maintain it. If you start each day with a session of physical exercise, you are able to begin your day in a good mental space.
This positive approach will allow you to stay productive and focused on the tasks at hand and tackle any issues head-on with confidence and self-assurance. Furthermore, the adrenaline rush that comes with a positive workout will keep you energized and motivated.
Boosts Mood
While running won’t make feelings of depression or chronic stress disappear overnight, it can significantly help manage common symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Some studies suggest that running (or an alternative form of cardio exercise) can have the same effects as medication when relieving you of these symptoms.
Despite its impressive anti-depressive effect, it is essential to remember that it is not a replacement for medical support should your mental health struggles require more intense treatment. Consult your healthcare practitioner immediately about any concerns or difficulties you may be struggling with.
Calms the Mind
Many avid runners will often say that running works like meditation. Working up a sweat and getting your heart pumping helps to relax your brain muscles, allowing you to escape the chaos of the world around you and enter into a state of serenity and calmness.
When your head feels heavy, and your emotions are overwhelming, running may feel like the last thing you want to do. But in reality, it is possibly the best thing you can do for yourself. Not only will you be contributing to better cardiovascular health, but you will relieve stress, clear your mind, and allow yourself to approach your tasks with a fresh and clear mind.
Healthy Body & Mind
Just 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity exercise, such as running, can significantly improve your cardiovascular health. In fact, studies have shown that running for just 50 minutes a week at a moderate pace can lower your risk of heart disease. This should give you the confidence that you’re making a great choice for your heart health.
When you step outside for a run, you’re not just enhancing your mental health, you’re also nurturing your entire body. This holistic approach to health will contribute to a positive mental state and leave you with a profound sense of achievement.
Running Tips
When starting any new exercise regime, setting a schedule and finding the motivation to get out and run can be difficult. However, there are a number of ways you can set yourself up for success to stay on track and reach your running goals.
It’s a common misconception that you need to set intense and often unrealistic goals when starting out. In reality, starting with small, achievable daily goals, like getting outside for 30 minutes three to five times a week, can help you build a consistent routine that you can steadily increase and improve. This approach will keep you motivated and optimistic about your progress.
If you feel like you will benefit from added motivation and accountability, seek out a running buddy who will keep you company and keep you honest about your routine. Finally, give yourself time and be gentle with yourself. It takes time to establish yourself as a regular runner, and paying attention to your body and mind while you are exercising is essential to building a healthy and positive relationship with movement.