Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog
Now let's get started by talking about mental health and the role running plays in improving it. This is an important topic since statistics say that one in five people experience mental illness. And this is a great time to address it since May is National Mental Health Awareness Month in America. Since 1949, May has been a time to reduce the stigma behind mental health, educate the public on mental health, and support those with mental health conditions.
This year’s theme (according to Mental Health America) — More Good Days, Together — encourages us all to reflect on what a “good” day looks like, both for ourselves, and for our communities. Together, they say, we can use that insight to connect people to the right support at the right time, and shape advocacy, education, and community engagement to make more good days possible for all.
And a good day, if you ask me, starts with a run. And the together part shows that group runs make for a great start to good days too!
But, hey, whether you like to run alone or with a group, there are so many mental benefits that come from lacing up regularly. And remember, running is running... whether you run a 5-minute mile or a 15-minute mile, the "Runner's High," aka the feeling runners experience when those feel-good chemicals are emitted as a result of sustained and consistent movement, can be had by everyone.
This is great news since the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrin improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and stress. Regular running also increases cognitive function, boosts self-esteem, and improves sleep quality. Even 15–20 minutes of moderate running can improve mood and brain resilience. That's great news right???
As someone who started running decades ago to cope with stress and depression, I will tell you that if I could bottle up all the benefits of running and sell it, I would be a multi-billionaire. There are just that many physical, emotional, spiritual, and of course, mental benefits that come from running, especially when you take the run outdoors.
Without further ado then, check out these perks of running and some tips on maximizing their effectiveness.
Key Mental Health Benefits of Running:
- Reduction in Anxiety and Depression: Running acts as a natural antidepressant, with studies showing it can be as effective as antidepressants for some, and helps to reduce symptoms of anxiety.
- Group running has an even added benefit as it provides the support system and friendship many people are lacking—in this way it combats the isolation that leads to depression. There's a reason why people refer to group runs as "cheap therapy" and why they continue to show up for them.
- Stress Reduction: It lowers stress hormones and increases neurological resilience. Running increases a person's grit or staying power which is a key component in learning to view obstacles as stepping stones rather than stressors.
- "Runner’s High":This is the euphoric state caused by a surge of chemicals and results in a feeling of pleasure and calmness. This feeling can last for some time, thereby improving mood and sustaining a sunnier outlook.
- Improved Brainpower and Memory: Running supports hippocampal function, which is crucial for memory and learning, and can improve cognitive function. This improved cognitive function allows a runner to think more clearly and problem solve more effectively, thereby reducing stress and depression.
- Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence: Setting and achieving running goals enhances self-worth. Ask anyone who's crossed a finish line! Here's where the group run comes in again... many people who lack the self-esteem and confidence to attempt a solo run will build it by crossing the finish line as part of a team and then go on to do something bigger. Running has that kind of power!
- Better Sleep: Regular, moderate running can significantly improve sleep quality and fight insomnia.
Tips for Maximizing Mental Benefits:
- Go Outdoors: Running outside, particularly in nature, offers greater mood-boosting benefits than indoor treadmill running. This is a proven scientific fact. The great outdoors amplifies the benefits of running. That’s why so many people are drawn to the Bass Pro Fitness Series of events.
- Be Consistent: Regular exercise is more effective than sporadic exercise. Even 15-30 minutes several times a week can make a drastic difference in a person's mental health.
- Avoid Over-training: Running too hard can decrease the sense of well-being, so finding a balance is key. Finding this balance leads to a sense of achievement which leads to self confidence which leads to better mental health!
- Enjoy It: Focusing on positive feelings and enjoying the process makes it more likely you will experience a "runner's high." And here's the best part. The more you enjoy running, the more you'll do it. And the more you do it, the better your mental health will be.
And there you have it friends. There are so many benefits to adopting a routine of running. So make a goal, grab a friend, and get out there. Your mind and body will thank you. Happy Running!