It's important to find healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress. Physical activity like running releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and reduce stress levels. It can also give you a sense of accomplishment and confidence, which can further improve your mental well-being. Running can provide a wide range of mental benefits, and as someone who has struggled with anger and depression, I believe it's a legitimate method for dealing with whatever mental struggles you may be having. Some of the benefits of running for mental health include:
Reduced stress and anxiety:
The simple act of preparing for a run is begins the process of shaking off my stresses.
My run preparation consists of doing dynamic stretches and breathing exercises. Dynamic Stretches help loosen muscles that have become tense from daily stresses. Loose muscles are less like to strain and will cooperate better with the rest of your body as you run. Breathing is a known method to help settle yourself in a tense situation so I don't feel like I should have to talk about that particular benefit however, Performing controlled breathing methods before running can help keep your pipes open to transfer that precious oxygen to your lungs. Practicing breathing for me can drastically improve an overall run. So I haven't even taken a step outside and I've already loosened muscles and calmed some nerves. The run itself can be very mentally demanding. I continue to breathe to ensure my muscles continue to get the necessary oxygen to sustain the run, I'm focusing on my form so I don't cause unwanted injuries, I'm checking in with my body to make sure everything feels good and I'm observing my environment so I don't get hit by a car or trip on a crack (which I have done and it sucks). If I'm paying attention to all these things I may have enough attention span left to remember to appreciate the nature surrounding me. At this point, I am getting a much-needed break from whatever aspects of life that I was stressing about.
Improved mood:
Now that the run is over, it's time to cool down and catch your breath. This is a good time to reflect on what you just accomplished. It's been a day and you manage to find the motivation to strap on your running shoes and stomp out a few miles. That is an accomplishment that should make you proud.
Increased self-esteem:
Every run I have ever finished has given me a sense of pride in myself. The more I do it, the easier it is to feel good about the person I am and what I am capable of. Running is an activity that can give and take for sure. But there are always milestones and even when you think you are having a bad run, you may end the run with a new achievement or PR. My point is this, It's hard to have confidence in something if you don't know what you are capable of. When you push your limits, you will expand your ability. With each attempt, you will discover new strength that you previously were unaware of. It's important to remember that growth and improvement take time and effort, but with persistence and a willingness to learn, we can surprise ourselves and achieve great things.
Better sleep:
You may not realize it but, If it's bedtime and you have been stagnant all day. You may have more pent-up energy than you realize. Having an excess store of energy could be making it difficult for your body to shut off. You may fall asleep but, your body may still have energy that is preventing you from fully relaxing. Laying down at the end of a day that included a run may help your body achieve a more relaxed state.
Improved cognitive function:
In the same way, running helps reduce stress and improve your mood, the distraction from running allows you to approach situations with a fresh and new perspective. Running promotes blood and Oxygen flow to your entire body including your brain. Improved blood flow means areas you may have previously been a bit foggy could start seeming a bit clearer. You may also find that your creative juices seem to flow more naturally as well.
Having a regular running routine drastically improves my mental wellness. While running has many benefits, mental improvements are the primary reason I run. Running is often viewed as an activity that has only physical benefits. When I talk to people about running, The physical benefits are rarely my discussion points. I also notice many runners' goal is to run faster or run longer. I find myself striving for those goals. But When I talk to a person that may benefit from running or someone that wants to run but thinks it's torture, I like to help them focus on how it can help overcome struggles, build confidence, or help improve mental clarity. The clarity I get from running is what I mean when I say run clarity.
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