Running is a great form of exercise and has many benefits. It’s good for your heart and lungs and improves your mental health. But do you know about the hidden benefits of running?
A recent study from the University of Colorado shows that regular running helps reverse the effects of ageing. The study also found that runners stayed healthier and younger as they got older.
While running does have some risks, the benefits are many. Not only does it help you get in shape, but it also reduces your risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition, it boosts your mood and improves your memory.
A more serious benefit of running is that it can improve your immune system. People who run at least five days a week have a stronger immune system and lower risk of infections.
As you’re getting into the routine of running, you may notice that it seems to creep into other areas of your life. For example, you might begin to push through aches and pains easier.
If you want to know more about the hidden benefits of running, continue reading.
The 8 Hidden Benefits of Running
There are many benefits to running. Not only does it improve your health, but it can also give you a host of other benefits that you may not have considered. Here are some hidden benefits of running.
- Gives You Clarity of Mind
One of the biggest benefits of running is its positive effects on your mental health. It helps regulate your hormones, boosts blood flow, and creates new neurons.
Those neuronal connections allow for better cognitive function. Running helps you gain clarity of mind because it involves focusing on your breath and tuning into your body’s state.
In addition, it turns down your default mode network chatter and lets you focus on the moment. Having a clear mind means you can make decisions more easily.
- Key to Longer and Healthier Life
Running is one of the most popular sports around. It has a lot of health benefits, including lowering your risk of heart attack, cancer, and high blood pressure.
Runners also seem to have a longer life span. In addition to its physical benefits, running may also benefit your mood. Studies have shown that people who run regularly have better sleep and are more likely to have a positive attitude toward life.
- Say Goodbye to Depression
Running is especially beneficial to people who are coping with mild to moderate depression. It is one of the most effective ways to treat the symptoms of depression.
Not only does it reduce feelings of anxiety and fatigue, but it also strengthens the body’s ability to deal with stress. Studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise produces structural changes in the brain similar to those found in antidepressant medications.
- Brings You Joy
There is more to running than just the run. One of the more popular perks of running is the ability to carve out some quality time for yourself.
This is especially handy if you are a married professional with a tight work schedule. When you run, it lowers your stress levels and triggers the release of happy hormones in your body. This not only improves your mood but also brings peace and joy to your life.
- Boosts Your Confidence
Running can boost your confidence. It can clear your mind, improve your mood, and help you maintain a healthy weight. One of the most exciting aspects of running is the opportunity it presents to overcome obstacles.
As you push yourself, you’ll find your body gets stronger. You’ll be able to run longer and faster, which can lead to improved confidence.
- Helps to Meet New People
The benefits of running are many, but one of the most common ones is that it helps you meet new people. Whether you are looking for a social group to join or you want to expand your professional network, running is a great way to make connections. Running clubs are another excellent way to meet people.
- Enjoy Guilt-Free Snacking
There are a few ways to enjoy guilt-free snacking. One of the easiest ways to enjoy your favourite snacks without feeling guilty is running.
It helps you to burn the excess calories you consume when snacking. As you are working out, you will feel less guilty when eating snacks.
- Stress-Buster
Running is one of the best ways to relieve stress. It helps reduce the physical effects of stress, as well as psychological ones. A run can also increase your mood.
Running relieves stress by increasing blood flow to your brain. This boosts the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. These chemicals create a sense of relaxation and happiness.
Is 30 Minutes of Running a Day Enough?
Running can be a great form of exercise. It helps you improve your overall fitness level and reduces your risk of chronic disease. Plus, it can have benefits for your mental health and sleep.
Depending on your goals, 30 minutes of running can be enough to get you started on a running routine. However, if you’re looking to become a competitive runner, you’ll need to add longer runs to your schedule. A recent study revealed that even a 10-minute run could have positive effects on mood and health.
Running or Gym – Which Is Better?
If you want to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise is essential. Exercising is a great way to increase energy, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and promote weight loss. The key is to find an exercise that is safe and effective.
One of the most popular exercises is running. Running requires little equipment and is a form of cardiovascular exercise. It boosts cardiovascular health, increases stamina, and promotes mental well-being.
For those who do not like working out in a gym, running outdoors is a good option. This is because it allows you to connect with nature. Studies show that exposure to nature can reduce your stress level, decrease your heart rate, and improve sleep. Similarly, it can improve your memory and concentration.
Unlike a gym, you do not need to sign up for a membership. You can also run anywhere, and it is free. And because it is an aerobic activity, it is an efficient way to burn calories.
Enjoy the Hidden Benefits of Running with Running Apps
If you want to enjoy the hidden benefits of running, you can try using running apps for the Apple watch. These are digital applications that you can access from your smartphone to get started with running.
Using a running app may be just the thing you need to stay motivated and improve your running performance. Many of these apps can help you record your running progress, analyze your performances, and even provide training plans.
Some of these apps will even offer you personalized coaching. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, these apps will keep you on track. For instance, the Joggo app is a great way for novice runners to start running.
So in conclusion, if you want to stay healthy and happy, it is wise to get some form of exercise every day. Walking and jogging are both great options. Running regularly will increase your overall physical and mental health.
It is one of the most underrated forms of exercise and offers many hidden benefits. For example, running helps you to meet new people, make new friends, relieve stress, fight symptoms of depression, and live a long and happy life.
However, before you start running, it is best to consult a doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions.