Beyond Physical Benefits of Running

We are all aware of the physical benefits of running, which can be noticed and seen by others around you. Getting back into shape and loosing weight are the most important takeaways of regular runs. These are probably the biggest motivational factors for people to take up running.

But what about beyond physical benefits of running that one can derive out of regular runs? These are the benefits which are felt and experienced by self and go a long way in uplifting your mood & keeping you emotionally happy.

Running elevates mood and helps fight anxiety and depression

Online searches will give you numerous stories and testimonials of people talking about how running helped them to overcome their anxieties and depressions. It’s a proven fact that running and exercise releases ‘Endorphins’, a hormone that are released by the pituitary gland that have motivational benefits.

When you run for a longer time, the body releases Endorphins that interact with receptors in the brain and reducing your perception of pain and effort. This in turn gives you an euphoric feeling and making you happy. This feeling is commonly known as ‘Runners high’ among running community and can give you a positive outlook on life thereby reducing your stress and worries. It will make you feel less fatigued, depressed, and tense throughout the day.

Running boosts energy

Running makes you breathe longer and fill your lungs with much needed oxygen. A sedentary lifestyle impacts your breathing, which means you give less oxygen to your various body parts for much needed functions, which is critical to feeling energised and not lethargic or tired. Running gets you lungs to expand and your heart pumping and giving you the much needed energy boost.

Regular running lowers blood pressure and promotes better sleep

Cardiovascular exercise like running helps in lowering you blood pressure. How are high blood pressure and running connected? Running regularly keeps your heart stronger as the heart gets used to pumping more blood with less effort. If the heart can work less to pump, the impact on the arteries decreases thereby lowering your blood pressure.

Also, the more active you are during the day, the more likely you are to feel relaxed and fall asleep easily at night. Happy running!