Do you run for a living?
If not, you better run for a better life!
If you’re one of those professionals, who’s now a CEO, lawyer, doctor or worse...a desk-bound software developer, engineer, designer or writer, then you better run for your life.
I mean it!
You’re glued to your desktop screen all day and you sit in that posture-ruining chair of misery till you commute your way back home to binge-watch another series like GOT.
Your back and neck might suffer the toll of sitting all day.
But that’s not all…
Did you know that the lack of physical activity can be taxing on your psychological health as well?
A research conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University shows that running regularly makes you a happier and a more confident person.
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89% of runners report that running regularly makes them feel happier and positively impacts their mental health and body image.
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You’re probably already aware of the physical benefits of running.
So, here’s revealing the psychological benefits.
I hope it motivates you to get up and running!
5 Psychological Benefits of Running
1. Better Stress Management
Who in the world is stress-free?
There’s work stress, relationship stress, financial stress, and the list goes on...
Running can help tackle this stress by boosting your body's ability to deal with your existing mental tension.
If you want to clear your head, solve a problem, or simply want to run away from a nagging issue, go on a long distance run.
You’ll be away from all the hustle-bustle of life, which will help you focus on analyzing your problems from different perspectives.
If you need a way to channel your aggression or anger, a speed run can help.
Focus all that emotion into a few sprints and you'll feel better in no time.
2. Makes You Happier
When you run, your brain releases endorphins, and endorphins, as you are probably aware is the happiness hormone.
It acts as a natural drug, making you more energetic, awake, and happier.
Endorphins kick in either during a run or after a workout and is commonly called the ‘runner's high’ for a reason.
Just like chocolate is a mood booster, so is running!
It helps young people sleep better and improves their mood and ability to focus.
3. Enhances Creativity
Your brain needs extra oxygen to function optimally.
And nothing can get your heart to pump blood faster and your brain to receive more oxygen than running.
If you want to think outside the box, you’ve got to get outside that door and hit the road.
If you’re in a creative field or are looking for unique solutions to solve a problem, then running should be your creativity kick-starter.
So the next time, your mind is unclear and unable to think creatively, get your legs moving and refresh your body and brain.
4. Increases Productivity
Are you prey to a dull day or lack of motivation and productivity at work?
I’m sure you’ve seen such days, because who hasn’t?
The solution to an unproductive day is just a short run away.
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Research shows workers who include exercise or running as part of their schedule are more productive and energetic than those who are less active. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Several companies motivate their employees to participate in charitable marathons and also incorporate yoga and exercise into their work schedule.
Some companies also encourage early morning jogs, corporate sports events, and fun Fridays to help their employees stay more productive while at work.
“Workers that run together, work better together!”
5. Prevents Cognitive Decline
Running is known to keep you young, not only in appearance but also young at mind.
An aging mind could also be a cause of low physical activity.
Regular running or jogging is known to boost your brain’s activity and prevent cognitive decline.
Alzheimer’s syndrome is related to cognitive decline.
Hence, running helps prevent Alzhiemer’s to some extent.
Running doesn't cure Alzheimer's, however, it may help boost the brain's ability to minimize and slow cognitive decline that begins after age 45.
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Working out, especially between ages 25 and 45 boosts memory and learning.
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The chemicals in the brain, responsible for preventing the degeneration of the hippocampus, also plays a major role in boosting memory and learning.
So, what’s your excuse today?
Run and let us know how your day was...
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