When you first begin running, everything seems difficult; in fact, getting oneself to go for a run outside (even on a nice day!) can be one of the most difficult things to accomplish. You have no choice but to step outside of your comfort zone and come to terms with the fact that this is likely going to be challenging. In addition to that, you still need to get over the muscle stiffness from your last workout.
It might be enough to make you wonder why people run in the first place.
The fact of the matter is that it is not simple at first. Running requires some adjustment time before one can get into a rhythm and start reaping the full advantages of the activity. But if you do, you should know that you might find yourself hooked for the rest of your life.
And considering the numerous advantages that accompany regular running, who could really blame you? Running provides numerous advantages to both a person’s physical and mental health, and these advantages are multiplied when the runner chooses to complete their workout in an environment that also allows them to experience nature and a supply of clean air.
Running outside as part of a mindfulness or wellness practice is something that a lot of people include into their daily routines to help them deal with mental health issues like anxiety and sadness. A effective technique to improve how you feel mentally and emotionally is to go outside and move your body for some of the time you spend there.
In this article, we are going to discuss several of the most significant advantages to one’s mental health that may be gained from running outside in natural environments.
Better Mood
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of a runner’s high, then you understand what we’re talking about. That incredible (and addicting) rush of endorphins and endocannabinoids when they pour into your system. Endorphins have a direct impact on our emotional state, which is one of the reasons why they are referred to as the “feel good” chemical in our brains. Endorphins are responsible for producing emotions of pleasure and contentment in humans.
People are able to complete longer, more difficult runs when they experience runner’s high. When there is a surge of endorphins in your brain, it dulls the perception of the amount of physical pain you are experiencing. One of the reasons why running up steep hills, which at first appears like it would be excruciatingly painful, may actually make a runner feel pleased or even euphoric is because of this. The ‘high’ that we get from the strenuous run makes our bodies desire more of it because they like it so much. Runners need this kind of motivation in order to keep going for extended periods of time.
If you are new to running, it is possible that you have not yet experienced the coveted “runner’s high.” Don’t be concerned! This will take some time. And, you are still going to receive the advantage of endorphins from your run, which will provide your brain with a joyful little upswing at the beginning or finish of your day (or maybe you’re a lunch time runner!).
Relaxed Nervous System
Running has the potential to become a truly delightful activity once it is more acquainted to the runner and the early discomfort begins to give way to habit. There are a lot of people who run who think that jogging is excellent for their mental health, and you might find that this notion is especially widespread among trail runners and people who like to spend a lot of time outside. It’s likely that a wave of euphoria will wash over you if you combine the activity of jogging with the splendor of the great outdoors.
Time spent outside in natural settings has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Spending more time outside has been shown to have a number of positive effects on a person’s mental health, including the following:
Reduced levels of anxiety
Reduced levels of stress
Reduced levels of depression
We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.
Because of its rising popularity as a practice that is beneficial to one’s mental health, spending time in natural settings has been given new labels, such as forest bathing and ecotherapy. It removes us from our work laptops and emails, giving us the opportunity to unwind and concentrate on the here and now without any distractions.
When you combine the strenuous activity of jogging with the stunning natural scenery that surrounds you, you give your mind the opportunity to become more focused. When you push your body to its limits on a difficult run in the midst of a breathtaking setting, it is much simpler to block out the stresses of the outside world.
Increased Productivity
Studies have made some interesting discoveries regarding running and changes in the brain, despite the fact that it might be difficult to disentangle the physical health of your brain from the way that you experience your brain (the regulation of your mood and the functioning of your nervous system), as the case may be.
After a long period of time, significant alterations were identified in the capacity of cells to recall previous experiences, according to the findings of some especially fascinating studies. During and after endurance or aerobic activity, there is an increase in the amount of a protein called cathepsin-B. (though the study focused on running, similar benefits may be seen with jogging and other aerobic activities). This protein improves not only one’s ability to remember things, but also one’s capacity to take in new information.
Studies have shown that giving kids time during the day to engage in physical activity can increase both their ability to concentrate and their ability to remember information. If you find that you hit a lull in the middle of the morning at work, maybe going for a run during your lunch break is just what you need to get some fresh air, stimulate your brain, and come back to the office feeling like you are ready to concentrate!
When questioned about the key to his success and productivity, the billionaire Richard Branson provided an answer that may have summed up the situation well. To put it more simply, “work out.”
Improved Sleep
Getting enough sleep is one of the most difficult challenges associated with maintaining great mental health. Some people are able to function normally on only five hours of sleep, and you would never know the difference if you saw them. The majority of people, roughly speaking, need between six and eight hours of sleep in order to feel their best. People’s moods and mental health might suffer when they go for extended periods of time without getting enough sleep, which can make them irritated.
Do you obtain a sufficient amount of sleep, but you feel like the quality of that sleep is lacking? People who exercise on a regular basis, particularly those who run, often report having better quality sleep. Your muscles are worn out from the exertion of going for lengthy runs, and your body anticipates the rest that comes with sleeping at night. After exerting your body in a constant manner throughout the day, you will be able to reach a deeper stage of sleep.
Go Outside!
Every runner will have a unique experience when they compete outside, and if you spend more time in the great outdoors, you are sure to discover a number of additional perks that will make you feel wonderful.
And after you begin to notice improvements in your mental health as a result of running outside, you may keep the ball rolling by investigating more concerns regarding your wellbeing, such as the following:
Which of these perks do you feel would be most helpful to you on your running journey? Why do you believe that they are the most successful for you, and how can you continue to supplement those elements of your life beyond the confines of your running workouts?
Which of these perks do you feel would be most helpful to you on your running journey? Why do you believe that they are the most successful for you, and how can you continue to supplement those elements of your life beyond the confines of your running workouts?
That being said, lace up your sneakers and get out there and enjoy your jogging!
