Everyone who runs has their own reasons for doing so. Some do it to improve their health, lose weight, stay fit, or maybe for competition. Regardless of what most appeals to you, there are so many reasons to start running. Ever since I started running in the mornings about two years ago, my day just doesn't feel right when I miss a run. It has brought many positive benefits into my life and I have been an advocate ever since. And today, I want to share eight reasons why you should start running.
1. Improves your health
Although there are many benefits from running, in my opinion, the biggest ones are for your health. Studies have shown that running improves almost every aspect of your health. From your heart strength to bone density. For me, I just feel more healthy and energized overall.
2. Maintain or lose weight
Running is a great way to efficiently burn some calories and lose those extra pounds. So if losing weight is your goal, running is a great way to achieve that. For me, I was already at a healthy weight when I started running, but I personally use it to help maintain it. However, don't think if you start running it will mean you can eat whatever you want and still maintain a healthy weight. You will still need to control the amount of your calorie intake.
3. Mental health
Running produces an effect that many runners refer to as the "runner's high." That's because when we run, our brain releases endorphins which can improve your outlook, mood, and overall mental state. You can feel these effects for hours or sometimes even days. So if you constantly feel down, running may become your antidepressant.
4. Stress relief
Another great mental benefit you get from running is stress relief. I think that everyone will agree that we live in a stressful world. Well when I'm feeling stressed, there is nothing like going for a run, disconnect from everything, and get your mind focused again. It helps you put everything into perspective and live a low-stress life.
5. Experience something new and different
Running is a good way to break away from the daily grind of life and experience something new. For example, when I started running, it gave me a reason to explore areas that I would normally never go to. This is especially useful if you're in a new location or campus.
6. Work Toward a Goal
We all need goals or purpose in life. But once we transition from school to adulthood, we tend to start living our lives one day at a time without anything to really strive for. Well going for a run every morning can provide you with a purpose.
7. Running is inexpensive
In order to run, you don't have to buy expensive equipment or sign up for a gym membership. The only thing I would recommend is a good pair of running shoes to avoid any possible ankle injuries. Plus when I purchased shoes specifically for running, I was able to enjoy it more.
8. Improves your energy levels
One of the things I suffered from before I started to run was constant fatigue and sluggishness. But once I started to go on morning jogs, I noticed I was a lot more energized throughout the rest of the day. That's another reason why I love to run in the mornings versus the evenings. Another improvement I noticed is my quality of sleep, not only do I fall asleep faster, but I just sleep better overall.
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