A study was conducted that combined 51 young people with an average age of 18.
Out of this lot, some were assigned to run.
The ones who were assigned to run showed improved psychological functioning, better focus and proper sleep in comparison to those who didn’t add running to their schedule.
The runners ran at a moderate pace for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week for about three weeks.
Did you know that the exact same results are shown by runners of any age?
So, now you probably know how important and effective running can be!
This is true especially for professionals who spend long hours at work.
Want to improve your brain power?
Here’s how...
5 Ways Running Can Improve Your Brain Power
1. Running Helps Your Brain Grow
We are definitely not talking about your brain through your skull when we say ‘brain grow’.
Running stimulates the creation of new nerve cells and blood vessels within the brain, the brain tends to shrink as the person grows old.
Studies also suggest that running helps to increase the volume of the midbrain.
The midbrain controls your vision and hearing, and also the hippocampus that is linked with memory and learning.
2. Running Ages Your Brain Better
Running prevents and reverses age-related shrinkage by helping your brain age well.
It affects the brain chemicals in a way that sets runners up to have healthier-than-average brain later in life.
A study measured neural markers and cognitive function in the middle-aged athletes and non-athletes and while the cognitive function scores were similar, the metabolic efficiency and neural plasticity of the athlete's brain were more.
Source- giphy.com
3. Running Improves Learning & Recalling Ability
A 2012 study found that the people who were physically fit did better on a memory test than the ones who aren’t very fit or not fit at all.
This links to the earlier mentioned point that states running helps you focus, juggle multiple tasks and make a distinction between things.
4. Running Keeps Your Mood Happy
Running reduces stress and elevates your mood.
It is no secret that a lot of people take up running for similar reasons.
A research in the Journal of Sports Medicine & Physical Fitness revealed that exercise help patients reduce depression, anxiety, and stress.
It also states that runners enjoy high levels of tryptophan, which is a brain biochemical; needed for the production of serotonin, a mood-elevating neurotransmitter
Source- giphy.com
5. Running Improves Sleep
Millions of adults are affected by a sleep disorder.
Around 50 percent of people, 50 years and above suffer from the symptoms of chronic insomnia and other sleeping issues.
You can always improve your sleep quality with regular aerobic exercise.
And, what is a better aerobic exercise than running?
As per Northwestern Medicine, running can reduce or completely cure, insomnia.
Who knew that now! Did you?
#ProTip
It is better to run outdoors than indoors as you have more exposure to the sunlight. The increased exposure to natural light helps your body adjust to the temperature rhythmic patterns, which results in better sleep quality.
Want to know more about the benefits of a simple, 30 minutes run, five days a week?
Wait for our next blog!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to know what the Webbians are up to!
