It may not fall on Patriot’s Day this year, but Monday, October 11th, the 125th Boston Marathon will take place. Thousands of runners from across the globe will hit the pavement in Massachusetts! It’s natural to feel a little inspired to lace up your sneakers and commit to get fit by way of running.
Health Benefits of Running are Within Your Reach
You needn’t be a marathon runner to reap the benefits that slow and steady jogging can have on improving your health. One such study was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. When compared to those who do no running at all, the study found that even 5-10 minutes a day of low intensity running is enough to extend one’s life by several years!
The cardiovascular benefits of running cannot be denied! However, there are lesser-known ways that running can help improve your life too.
5 Surprising Benefits of Running
Stress Management– When work-life balance is already in flux, it can be easy to throw your sneakers to the back of your closet and prioritize catching up on household to-dos. However, when you exercise, your brain releases norepinephrine, a chemical that helps to moderate the way your brain responds to stress. Running has been shown to help control stress and boost the body’s ability to cope with mental tension.
Calmer State of Mind– Following exercise, there is a release of those “feel good” chemicals from your brain. What naturally follows is a calmer state of thinking. We all know, when your mind is clear, it is easier to focus on what is important.
Increased Brainpower– Did you know cardiovascular exercise can create new brain cells and improve overall brain function? Amazing!! Science has shown that a challenging run “increases levels of a brain-derived protein in the body. This protein is believed to help with decision-making, higher thinking and learning.”
Greater Creativity– A heart-pumping route can improve creativity for up to two hours following your run. Have a mental block? Find yourself staring at your empty word document? Get those shoes on and get to running!
Improved Sleep– We all live busy lives, and with all the responsibilities, sleep can sometimes be less than restful. Running is shown to boost serotonin, a hormone that plays a critical role in the sleep-wake cycle. With the dwindling sunlight and the impending end to daylight savings, make the most of your day! Schedule some treadmill or trail time so that when your head hits the pillow, you are drifting off to dreamland!
Commit to Get Fit, Safely
Physical activity doesn’t have to be hard and getting started shouldn’t be intimidating! Whether you’re on a quest for your first 5K, or simply want to enjoy your life more, call Bay State Physical Therapy! Find a location near you or request an appointment using the form below.
Resources:
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/
- https://www.baa.org/2021-boston-marathon
Tags: Healths, Exercise, Running, healthy lifestyle, jogging
