Apart from improving fitness-related issues, running can also alter your mental health too.
Mental health is one of the most discussed topics nowadays.“You need to put the past behind you before you can move on.”- this famous quote from the academy award-winning movie “Forrest Gump” is truly inspirational and sometimes you just need to run like Forrest Gump to lift your mood. When you are feeling low or going through a rough patch of your life, leaving everything and simple running can do wonders for you. So, before you press the snooze button of the alarm clock in the early morning, go through this article to understand why an early morning workout in the form of running is extremely beneficial.
Reduction of stress, anxiety, and better sleep schedule:
Running influences your neurochemical pathways by promoting hormonal secretion.Enhanced secretion of endorphins and other adrenaline help in combating stress and anxiety. That is the reason why you feel euphoric sometimes after running. Even some research reports have mentioned that running helps in treating insomnia and anxiety. Running like exercises bring proper sleep when you go to bed.
Building self-confidence:
Self-confidence is a critical mental issue that often brings severe consequences when left untreated. Either directly or indirectly, running helps in building self-confidence. Firstly, when you get up in the morning and go jogging, it provides you with an “I can do” attitude. The fitness achieved by running relieves you from any embarrassing situations. The improved muscle tone along with fitness enhances the self-image. You take pride in your achievement and focus on further betterment.
Impact on cognitive power:
As you grow older, the attachments between nerve cells become loose and your cognitive power declines. Running promotes the secretion of neurotransmitters to compensate for the loss and helps in the retention of memory. It is a proven fact that runners have a good memory. This is because running involves the frontal and parietal lobes of your brain, which are associated with memory and self-control.
Improved productivity and creativity:
Often people suffer from productivity issues. This may be due to excessive stress and workload. If you are also facing the same, then go for running. In your unmotivated state, the endorphins and serotonin secreted due to running can lift your mood. Despite sitting idly to think, run a mile, and let your brain do wonders for you.
“That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run”- Forrest Gump. Just like him, you should also start running. Although seem simple from the outside, running is actually one of the best exercises for your mental health. Metaphorically, you just go past the bad times and embrace a fresh start. Get motivated and “Run” for your life.
