If you see someone smiling at you as they pass you on their morning jog, there could be scientific reasons behind their optimism. In a 20-year study cited by Runner’s World, long-term marathon runners were found to be less prone to depression, anger and tension in comparison to the general population.
In fact, there has been in-depth research into how running bodes well for the mind, with the following five points showcasing clear benefits of digging out your running trainings and hitting the pavements:
Running can make you more altruistic
Runners have a strong community spirit which, it has been said, inspires them to routinely help other people. This is demonstrated by a well-publicised incident at the 2017 London Marathon where runner Matthew Rees extended a helping hand to competitor David Wyeth when the latter was struggling to complete the race.
“Helping others provides a sense of meaning, gives feelings of competence and improves mood,” Vanessa King, the lead psychologist for not-for-profit organisation Action for Happiness revealed to Runner’s World, adding: “It also takes our minds off our own troubles.”
You could look on the bright side of life more often
A Polish study at Gdańsk University, found that athletes were deemed more optimistic in their outlook, compared to non-athletes.
“It’s not about being in denial when bad things happen, it’s simply about trying to focus on the good in any situation rather than the negatives,” King explains. “It’s our thoughts and interpretations of events, not the events themselves, that drive our emotions.”
It’s relatively easy to run on a regular basis
Personal trainer Kerry Dixon tells Stylist that people should feel psychological benefits from running even just once a week. Nonetheless, she recommends that, in the interest of long-term mental health management, you should run two to three times a week.
To make hitting that target easier, you could invest in home exercise gear along the lines of mini treadmills, which can help people living in compact homes to run even when the weather outside is treacherous.
You can practice mindful running
This particular form of running is “all about being in tune with your body, focusing on how it feels as you run, and disconnecting from your daily distractions,” according to Dixon.
When the weather allows, you could run amidst nature. As long as you remember to leave your headphones at home, you can focus your mind on the visual and auditory sensations thrown up by the world around you — and consequently enhance your mood.
Running can reduce stress, anxiety and depression
As explained in a WebMD article, endocannabinoids are released into the body after a run, resulting in short-term feelings of reduced stress and calm.
Even during the run, blood circulation to the brain will be better — and the part of your brain responsible for responding to stress and improving your mind will be positively affected. Overall, this will help you gain a temporary improvement in your ability to handle stressful situations.
