A group of friends running in a park supporting mental health

Benefits of Running for Mental Health

Discover how running can boost your mental well-being and improve your daily life with our “Benefits of Running for Mental Health” blog. We have all heard the advice, “get some fresh air” when we are feeling down, had a bad day or dealing with stress. The idea is that it helps us clear our minds and forget our troubles. However, the benefits of running for mental health actually go far beyond mere distraction. In fact, 36.4% of runners in a recent study cited “improving mental health” as their primary reason for taking up the activity, and with good reason. How Running Boosts Mental Health 1. Reduced Stress Levels Stress is a universal experience, and most of us would do anything to relieve it. Surprisingly, running is a powerful way to reduce chronic stress over time. Although running temporarily increases cortisol (the stress hormone), it helps your body adapt to stress more efficiently. Think of it as “good stress”โ€”by training your body to manage cortisol better, you build resilience and feel less overwhelmed by stress in the long run. 2. Lower Rates of Depression and Anxiety Around 8% of people in England are diagnosed with anxiety or depression, though the actual number is likely much higher. Studies have shown that exercise can be 1.5 times more effective at managing mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress than medication or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This is due to the release of endorphins and serotoninโ€”hormones that naturally lift your mood. Running can also serve as a healthy distraction, helping you break negative thought patterns while giving you a sense of accomplishment. 3. Building Mental Resilience Letโ€™s face it, you wonโ€™t always feel motivated to go for a run. But when you push through that resistance, you’re training more than just your bodyโ€”youโ€™re strengthening your mind. Each time you lace up your shoes and head out the door, despite feeling unmotivated, you’re building mental resilience. Over time, this helps you handle life’s challenges with more strength and composure. 4. Improved Sleep Quality We all know how much better we feel after a good night’s sleep. Running has been proven to enhance both the quantity and quality of sleep. If you struggle with sleep, whether it’s falling asleep or staying asleep, this can negatively impact your mental health. Running helps regulate your sleep patterns, which, in turn, improves your mood and mental clarity. Better sleep can also make it easier to maintain a consistent running routine, creating a positive cycle for your mental health. 5. Staying Present in the Moment In todayโ€™s world, it’s easy to get caught up in overthinking, especially with our constant connection to technology. Running offers a unique opportunity to step away from screens and be fully present. Whether you’re new to running and focused on reaching the next landmark, or a seasoned runner who enjoys the rhythm of your feet hitting the pavement, running helps you stay grounded. In this way, it can act as a form of moving meditation, helping you escape negative thoughts and be in the moment, even if just for a short while. Emotional Benefits of Running Research into the emotional benefits of running has revealed impressive findings. Participants reported a range of positive outcomes, including: Increased self-confidence (59.1%) Feeling happier (56.8%) Improved mood (50%) Reduced tension (45.5%) Enhanced self-image (36.4%) Relief from depression (36.4%) A more positive outlook on life (34.1%) Feeling more content (31.8%) Better family relationships (15.9%) In fact, 96% of runners surveyed noticed mental or emotional benefits from running. Conclusion If you’re struggling with mental health, running could be a powerful tool to help you feel better both physically and emotionally. To learn more or to seek support, visit the MIND website. How The Running Bug is Helping with Mental Health The Running Bug appreciates that mental health plays an important role in life. Many people actually start running to combat the effects of stress, anxiety and other mental health issues. This is why The Running Bug are proud to introduce our annual World Mental Health Day 5k virtual challenge. Run, walk or jog 5k on World Mental Health Day, (10th October 2024), and we will send all participants a beautiful medal for their achievement. Not only that, but you will be supporting mental health in your own way. As well as spreading awareness, you will be donating to MIND because 10% of all entry fees will be donated to the charity. Enter this 5k virtual run here. But hurry, places are limited! References: Runners World โ€“ Benefits of Running for Mental Health NHS โ€“ Mental Health Statistics Medical News Today โ€“ Exercise vs. Medication for Anxiety and Depression Sleep Foundation โ€“ Mental Health and Sleep NIH Study on Running and Mental Health Written by: Lewis Sheward, Founder of GeorgeLewisHealth. Visit GeorgeLewisHealth for more insights. Share this blog Facebook Twitter Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Read other articles

Runner in the distance

Health Benefits of Running

Whilst many of us enjoy running for various different reasons, have you thought about the real health implications? In this article we take a deeper look at the benefits of running for adults. This becomes even more important as we age.  Running improves physical health in adults Running is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that can significantly improve physical health in adults. Engaging in regular running can help build strong bones, strengthen muscles, and maintain a healthy weight. Cardiovascular exercise, like running, has been found to lower stress levels by reducing the production of stress hormones that can put an extra burden on the heart. Running can also boost mood, energy levels, memory, and focus, while improving cardiovascular health. As a result, incorporating running into one’s daily routine can help adults achieve and maintain optimal physical health and well-being. Running can increase endurance and stamina, enabling individuals to engage in more physical activity. By building different kinds of interval training into a running program, incrementally increasing long, slow runs, and adding weight, individuals can gradually build stamina over time. Additionally, regular exercise helps the heart by lowering the risk of heart disease and improving heart health. Running can also reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression, and anxiety. Thus, incorporating running into one’s lifestyle can help adults improve their overall health, fitness, and quality of life. Running has been found to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, making it an effective preventative measure against various health conditions. A study by Anderson et al. in 2019 found that regular running can reduce the risk of premature mortality and lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurological diseases. Running has also been found to improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, incorporating running into one’s daily routine can be an effective way to prevent and manage chronic diseases, leading to improved overall health and longevity. Running has positive effects on mental health Running is a popular form of exercise that has numerous benefits for adults, including positive effects on mental health. One of the ways running improves mental health is by releasing endorphins, which are natural chemicals that create a sense of euphoria and well-being commonly referred to as “runner’s high”. The release of endorphins during exercise can lead to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression. Additionally, regular running can help individuals manage stress and anxiety, leading to improved overall mental health. Running has also been found to have a positive impact on cognitive function. Studies have shown that regular exercise, such as running, can improve working memory, focus, and task-switching ability. Furthermore, exercise can lead to the growth of new brain cells, which can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Incorporating running into one’s exercise routine can lead to improved mental clarity and overall brain health. In addition to the mental health benefits, running can also have positive effects on physical health. Running has been found to improve cardiovascular health, increase bone density, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and certain types of cancer. Furthermore, regular exercise can improve sleep quality, which is essential for overall health and well-being. Thus, running can be a valuable tool for adults looking to improve their physical and mental health. Running promotes a healthy lifestyle Running is an excellent way to promote a healthy lifestyle, as it provides numerous physical and mental health benefits. Regular running helps build strong bones, strengthens muscles, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Running also encourages healthy eating habits, as many studies have shown that running increases appetites, especially in new runners. As a result, runners often become more mindful of their food choices and opt for healthier options to fuel their bodies. Thus, incorporating running into one’s daily routine can lead to a healthier lifestyle overall. Running is an effective way to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related health problems. Keeping active through running can help individuals stay at a healthy weight or lose weight, reducing their risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and other health issues. Running also improves cardiovascular health, strengthens the immune system, and reduces the risk of certain cancers. Therefore, incorporating running into one’s daily routine can contribute to better physical health and overall well-being. Running provides opportunities for social connection and community building, which is essential for mental and emotional health. Running with others helps build genuine friendships and fosters a sense of belonging. Many running clubs and groups offer a supportive and encouraging environment, which can help individuals stay motivated and committed to their running routine. Additionally, running can be a form of stress relief and improve mood, helping individuals manage anxiety and depression. Therefore, incorporating running into one’s daily routine can contribute to better mental and emotional health. In conclusion, running is an excellent way for adults to maintain their physical and mental health. The benefits of cardiovascular exercise, increased endurance and stamina, and reduced risk of chronic diseases make running an ideal form of physical activity. Additionally, the release of endorphins and improved mood, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved cognitive function make running a great way to improve mental health. Furthermore, running promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging healthy eating habits, helping maintain a healthy weight, and providing opportunities for social connection and community building. Overall, running is a simple and effective way for adults to stay healthy and happy. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Running is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that can improve endurance, stamina, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. In addition to the physical benefits, running can also improve mental and emotional health. Running with others in a supportive and encouraging environment can foster a sense of belonging and lead to genuine friendships. Now you know the true health benefits of running, now

A healthy salad bowl

What To Eat Before Running? 5 Nutritional Foods To Try!

Getting properly fueled before running is as important as eating three meals daily. Any running requires a lot of energy,ย so you must eat up properly to ensure your body won’t tire outย while you hit the pavement. However, if you eat the wrong foods, you might get sick during the run or feel heavy. This is why we’ve created this list of foodsย you can snack on before you begin your virtual marathon challenge.

Benefits of Caffeine Pre-Run

Most of us know that buzz after a strong cup of coffee; some of us rely on it to get going each and every morning! Besides getting you out of bed, caffeine running is a hot trend that is fiercely debated amongst athletes.ย  But what about drinking coffee to give your run the edge? Can it really help you, or is it something that should be avoided? As you may already know, coffee is a stimulant. It temporarily increases blood pressure, heart rate and in some people, anxiety levels.ย So, if coffee โ€“ or the caffeine within in โ€“ can have all of these physical effects, is it really wise to combine it with running?ย  Caffeine Running: Can you drink caffeine before running? Many athletes think so! A study showed that three-quarters of Olympic athletes choose to have some form of caffeine before a race, and the proportion was higher still for endurance athletes. Another study revealed a 1% improvement in 5K running times when the runners had enjoyed a coffee pre-race, while one experiment claimed to knock a whole minute off their mile time. And another study even says that exercise right after drinking caffeine can negate coffee’s negative effects. The effects are also linked to coffeeโ€™s ability to rouse our mental state; not only does it render us more alert, but caffeine also acts as a boost to our determination and desire to run hard. It banishes that sluggish, โ€˜canโ€™t really be botheredโ€™ attitude, and somehow replaces it with fiery motivation and positivity. Surely thatโ€™s it, then? Double espressos all around! Not necessarily. Caffeine, while an everyday beverage for many of us, also possesses the power to trigger some unwanted effects. The cons of coffee Have you ever noticed a burning feeling in your stomach after a strong brew? Too much coffee can elicit heartburn, stomach pain and other rather unwelcome gastrointestinal side-effects that are definitely not what you want to be dealing with on your daily run. If this is the case for you, you might want to experiment with how you take your coffee. It could be the addition of milk or too much sugar which makes things worse. Similarly, a dose of the jitters or a scary palpitation might also be prompted by too much caffeine โ€“ especially if you have more than you are used to. Your heart is already working harder during a run, and caffeine running could cause extra work for your heart. From a runnerโ€™s point of view, it is worth pointing out the effect coffee can have on your bladder; weโ€™ve all experienced the need to urinate whilst out running โ€“ usually at the point in your run that is furthest from home โ€“ but did you know coffee can make this problem worse? Thatโ€™s because coffee is a diuretic, and can both increase the urge to urinate and make it more frequent. Caffeine Running Safety: How to safely drink coffee before a run If you decide running and coffee is a good mix for you, you might want to experiment with timings. Caffeine only takes between 5 and 15 minutes to enter your bloodstream, and the effects can last between three and five hours. For that reason, you shouldnโ€™t need to worry too much about when you sip the โ€˜inky linctusโ€™, but leaving it a little while might give you chance to nip to the loo before getting caught short mid-run! What about after? Not many people tend to consume caffeine post-run. Sports drinks tend to prioritise protein and carbohydrates to facilitate recovery, but one study revealed that caffeine combined with carbohydrates helped with muscle recovery. If you got up early and need to avoid the post-run slump, a coffee should at least help with that! Best way to take your caffeine pre-run One thing to remember is that coffee comes in many forms. Black, unsweetened coffee contains zero calories and is probably your best choice for avoiding stomach problems. Adding in lashings of milk or cream whilst spooning in the sugar will not only pile on the calories but also pre-empt indigestion and potentially an annoying stitch if you run straight after. Caffeine pills are also an option, for those who canโ€™t stand the taste of the drink โ€“ although be careful to check the dose, especially if youโ€™re not used to the effects of caffeine. Is it a good idea to have caffeine before your run?ย  Whatever your opinion on the matter, remember to build up slowly and see what dose helps you the most. Make sure to check out our upcoming events and join our growing running community! We would love to hear your opinions and outcomes in the comments section below. Share this blog Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on reddit Reddit Share on linkedin LinkedIn Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on tumblr Tumblr