Running. The word seems to traumatize many people when spoken of. The thought of carrying yourself in a fast pace for a certain amount of minutes or for a certain distance through intense exhaustion and sweat is scary. Your lungs tighten up, you don't know how to breathe, and don't even mention the constant urges to go to the bathroom.

Those used to be my thoughts regarding running. But then, I joined my high school's cross country team my senior year. Yes, those thoughts didn't disappear right away, but it didn't take long for me to stomp those into the ground with each step I took. Not only was I feeling stronger physically, but mentally I saw a change that I had been searching for for years. Here are some way I saw running help my mental health.

1. It allows you to think deeply (or about stuff you don't think about often).

Ask any experienced runner what they think about on runs, and you will get all the varieties you could ever imagine. One answer you won't find, however, is the thought of running, or any pain, or frankly any association with it at all. I noticed if there was something tugging at my mind, whether it was a bad math test score, bullies, or relationship drama, running allowed me to think through those things clearly. Instead of pushing the thoughts away because they were tough to think about, running kept me from being completely negative, and I could see these situations in a new light.

However, not all thinking is entirely that deep. Got a song you have stuck in your head, but don't have the lyrics completely memorized? Running will allow you to think through the song as many times as you need to. Want to watch "The Fault In Our Stars" over and over again, but without sitting around all day? Be like my friend and go for a run; that's how she tackled her cross country races. Then there's my other teammate who liked to practice her Spanish verb conjugations during her races. Whether they are deep thoughts, practicing through your schoolwork, or finding some small to occupy your mind, running will help clear and guide your mind in the way that you need it.

2. It's a great decision making tool.

I have the hardest time making decisions, so when I discovered how running helped with deep thinking, I used it as a tool to tackle some of my toughest decisions. It was during the summer training days leading into the beginning practices for cross country that I made my best decision to tour the college that I would eventually call home. Using running to help work through the thoughts that clouded my mind will clear your way towards an easier time decision making. Running allows you to look at all the perspectives and pros and cons, and will shape a better formed decision rather than a sporadic one. Trying to wrestle with a gut-based or judgment-based decision? Running will assure you whether that's the way you should go or if you should consider other options.

3. It builds your confidence.

Because running has such a positive impact when it comes to your thinking and decision making, how would that not increase your confidence? Your mind is more clear, the stress has decreased, and now you're happier and enjoying life! Without overwhelming thoughts weighing you down, you can go out and enjoy time with your friends or do your hobbies without feeling like a giant decision is waiting to be made.

Running will also get you into top physical shape, and that will surely increase your confidence. Being able to walk around in an outfit you were once ashamed to be seen in, or just the overall feeling of looking great, will lead into the overall change in mental health. You will start to look less on yourself and others, you will carry yourself differently, and your overall perspective on life will change!

4. It creates some of the strongest friendships.

It doesn't matter if you are running on a cross country or track team, or you just have a buddy or group you go running with around town. Those people are there to build you up, not tear you down. So what if you're the slowest out of the group? Even if no one runs next to you, you know they are at the final checkpoint or scattered throughout the course yelling out words of encouragement. It was because of these encouraging friends I made during cross country that I finished my season known as "The Smiling Runner." They understand what kind of pain you are putting your body through; they are empathizing with you and want to see you finish at your best. They are the ones you can call up during the bad days and the good, when you want to go grab a salad or have a cheat day. You know they will be up for all the adventures you want to go on, because they had been besides you during the tougher adventure that is running.

These results don't come right away, and until you build a routine with your thoughts, it will be tough to focus on anything other than the fact that you are running. But you can't give up after one day, or even one week. Continue to push through the pain, and things will start to improve. Go grab a running buddy, tie up your running shoes, and go improve yourself, physically and mentally! It's one of those decisions I have never regretted, so I bet you won't either.