Running is the most pure forms of natural exercise that we can do. Aside from the health benefits jogging or running imparts, there are also many psychological and mental benefits to a regular running or jogging program. Some of these include the confidence and character that running builds, the stress relief, and the attitude and happiness boost.
This post aims to examine a few of the mental benefits of jogging and running.

• 1. Boost your mood – When we exercise aerobically, our bodies produce little chemicals called endorphins Scientifically speaking, endorphins are polypeptides, which are able to bind to the neuron-receptors in the brain to give relief from pain. Endorphins are not just produced from exercise; they are also triggered by deep-breathing, meditation, eating spicy food and deep laughter. Just don’t do all five at once!

• 2. Stress reduction.  Do you feel like the whole world is collapsing on top of you? I think everyone does at one stage or another. If you keep positive, it will pass. Aerobic exercise is a great way to keep positive. When you are stressed, it is important to get enough sleep. Exercisers actually go to sleep faster, are more refreshed when they wake up, and have sharper memories. Exercise increases the blood flow to the brain, bringing extra sugar and oxygen, which can help when concentrating. And once again, the little endorphins can make you happier, making you feel like maybe it will all be OK after all.

• 3. Increased confidence and determination – Running can certainly improve your cognitive behavioural faculties. This refers to how your thinking affects your behaviour. Running not only enables you to complete physical challenges but improves your confidence as you achieve goals or overcome barriers. Perhaps you beat a personal best time or complete a charity run for the first time, this is not only a positive experience at the time but is likely to spill over into other areas of your life enabling you to think and act with confidence. Where previously you might have avoided a set of circumstances this improved confidence and determination may help you to resolve other problem situations that you are faced with.

• 4.  Reduced anxiety and depression. Depression and anxiety can lead to a feeling of isolation. By partaking in aerobic sports, one can choose to join a running club, swimming club, gym or any other sports club. These activities get you out an about and can put you in positions where you have to speak to people.

• 5.  Feel happy – Believe it or not running really can help you to feel happy. As you exercise there is a chemical reaction in your brain that releases Endorphins into your blood steam. These provide a natural high making you feel happy and positive. This is the same reaction that occurs when you laugh, have sex or eat chocolate.

• 6. Release Endorphins. Endorphins are believed to produce four key effects on the body: they relieve pain, they reduce stress, they enhance the immune system and they postpone the aging process.

• 7. Perseverance - There is a film called “The Loneliness of the long distance runner” and it encapsulates the determination and self-discipline that is developed by runners who cover distances. In turn, these skills help you to build perseverance which is important in life for dealing with difficult situations and circumstances where you might otherwise give up.

So, in conclusion, go to run! There are too many benefits that you will be missing out on if you don’t.

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