A Run A Day Can Keep The Anxiety Away
Start writing a post
Fitness

A Run A Day Can Keep The Anxiety Away

Going for a run a day helps ease anxiety.

541
A Run A Day Can Keep The Anxiety Away
Sarah Cucco

Have you ever wondered why you feel so good after a workout? Maybe it boils down to the sense of accomplishment after having sat in a class or work desk all day, or maybe it is because exercise helps activate specific cortexes of the brain.

Running is proven to help you relax in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. The prefrontal cortex is the area of the brain in charge of attention and focus, while the hippocampus works to help with learning and memory. Physical activity not only stimulates these two parts of the brain but prompts the body to release endorphins which help ease anxious feelings.

Not only does running stimulate the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus and release serotonin, but it also blocks pain signals, producing an influx of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate social behavior, mood, sleep, and appetite.

Therefore, running, especially outside where you can also receive some eco-therapy, is great for easing anxiety. While it can definitely be hard to get up and run the first couple of days, after a couple the benefits start flowing in. Throughout the day you may feel more energy, less anxiety, and happier due to the release of serotonin.

A run a day does not "scare" the anxiety away for everyone, but it is a great outdoor and indoor activity to get active and working. And if you run socially, it can help lessen anxiety and increase social time on busy weeks.

Try running next time you have a big test coming up or need to sit down a study for a couple of hours. This self-competitive sport is a godsend to any busybody who finds going to the gym too time consuming but wants all of the benefits of working out.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70755
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132373
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments