Running Can Bring Amazing Health Benefits
Running, many dread it and many love it. There are several benefits why getting out and running frequently can give purpose to your life, clear your mind and keep you healthy as you prevent diseases through constant running. When you choose to be a frequent runner it changes the quality of your everyday life. You don’t have to be a Pro-Athlete to run. If you have the desire to better your health and take care of your body, then you qualify for hitting the ground running. In this article, you will learn some benefits of why running can help you in several aspects of your life.
1. Running Helps with your Exercise-Sleep Connection
Who doesn’t love to have a great night’s sleep and feel new and refreshed in the morning as the day starts? I say we all do! Running is a great way to obtain better sleep. The exercise-sleep connection goes both ways. The more you exercise, the more you need quality sleep. While you sleep your body repairs itself and gets ready for the next day. After a long and intense run, jog or walk. Your body needs to recover to allow your muscles to rest. Therefore, sleep is vital.
The longer and better sleep you have the more time your body has to recover, and your muscles will grow. Living by this motto will help you in many ways. “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy and wealthy and wise.” The worse your sleep habits, the less likely you are to exercise regularly therefore, you will have sleep problems and as you age it will become challenging in all aspects. You will be sleep deprived letting the stresses of life build up and your physical body will also suffer the consequences. So, give it a try! Run for better sleep and healthier life.
2. Running Improves Mental Health and Reduces Depression
Many people choose to become runners to better their health and lose some extra pounds. After a short period, these new runners start feeling the positive outcomes running gives them. Many stick with the sport because “It makes them feel better.” They have fewer sad days, it helps them with their emotions, mood, and overall mental energy. Exercise is an effective treatment for those that are struggling with depression. It is also as effective as prescription medication. The benefits of running can serve as an alternative and drug-free way to battle depression as well as being less costly.
Even though depression is a serious disease all medical approaches should be considered. However, if the right approach for you is to go drug-free and try a more holistic approach then exercise and running can help with the healing process not only physically but mentally as well. Saving your pockets thousands of dollars and your overall gut health. Staying away from medications that can cause problems to your gut bacteria affecting the mind-gut connection.
3. Running for Self-Esteem
One way running helps build self-esteem is by turning negative thoughts into positive ones. Most of the time when our “mean girl or boy” comes out we engage in a battle of self-talk that can be negative and somewhat heartbreaking. We often engage in thoughts that belittle us and influence us to believe we can’t do hard things or even things that are out of our comfort zone. When we choose to quiet those thoughts and get them out of our heads, we can find wisdom in the positivity of it all.
If you battle with these thoughts here are a few tips. one, For every negative thought you catch yourself having think of three positive ones. Two, Try setting small goals every day (or however many days you have planned to run during the week) set your running clothes nearby, and put them on including your running shoes. Even if you don’t go for a run. Do this until it has become part of your everyday routine.
Once it is a habit try going out for a walk for 15 minutes then add speed walking or jogging and eventually running. Once you realize it you will find yourself feeling happy and energetic your endorphins have finally kicked in and helped you realize you can do hard things. Your self-esteem will increase because you will experience overcoming what you once thought it was hard.
The key is to be consistent with your goals. Even if you must start a little at a time and even if your mind keeps telling you it is impossible. You will soon realize your mind is only trying to protect you from failure, disappointment, and pain. If you start your routine with positive affirmations, for example, every time you think “I can’t” you can replace that with “I will try my best” your mind will begin to realize it doesn’t need to protect you. You can and you will do hard things. Then you are on the path to self-love and confidence!
Be a Frequent Runner
Change the Quality of your life. Clear your mind get healthy and prevent disease.
Have a Great Night’s Sleep and Recover
If You’re struggling to sleep at night run for better sleep and a restful night.
Improve Mental Health
Reduce anxiety, fight the battle of depression in a holistic way, and improve your self-esteem.
Disclaimer: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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