{"id":5205,"date":"2021-02-08T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-08T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/?p=5205"},"modified":"2023-10-12T14:54:38","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T13:54:38","slug":"mental-health-benefits-of-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/mental-health-benefits-of-running\/","title":{"rendered":"Run happy: 6 mental health benefits of running"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>There are many mental health benefits of running and it&rsquo;s a great way to improve your overall health and happiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&rsquo;s no wonder then that many people have taken up running over the last 12 months to improve their overall health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s11469-020-00367-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2020 study<\/a> on the impacts of the pandemic on people&rsquo;s mental health, mental and emotional health issues such as elevated anxiety, anger, confusion and post-traumatic symptoms are now among the foremost public health concerns throughout the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other studies have reported that social distancing, self-isolation, quarantine and misinformation are among the major contributing factors towards unusual sadness, fear, frustration, feelings of helplessness, loneliness and nervousness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has never been more important to prioritise your physical and mental health.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many studies have proven that regular exercise like running can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply put, running is a fantastic, cost-free way of getting into exercise and forming a regular habit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to recent figures, more than 858,000 people downloaded the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/exercise\/couch-to-5k-week-by-week\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NHS Couch to 5k app<\/a> between March and June 2020, a whopping 92 per cent increase from the same period in 2019.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If these figures are anything to go by, running is more popular than ever, and it&rsquo;s because of its ability to improve your physical and mental health that it&rsquo;s here to stay.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the 6 mental health benefits of running.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/how-to-practice-mindful-running\/\">How to practice mindful running<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-2-683x1024.png\" alt=\"mental health benefits of running\" class=\"wp-image-5207\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-2-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-2-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-2-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-2.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20683%201024'%3E%3Crect%20width='683'%20height='1024'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"mental health benefits of running\" class=\"wp-image-5207 eager-load\" title=\"\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-2.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-2-683x1024.png.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-2-683x1024.png.webp 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-2-200x300.png.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-2-768x1152.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-2.png.webp 1000w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6 mental health benefits of running<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#1 Reduces anxiety and depression<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Countless studies have shown that running improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression and negative mood.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More and more mental health service providers are turning to physical activity interventions for individuals suffering from serious mental illness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running makes your body release &lsquo;feel good&rsquo; hormones like dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and norepinephrine which contribute to the amazing feeling that you get during and after a run.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/running-for-mental-health\/\">7 ways running can help you overcome anxiety<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#2<\/strong> <strong>Helps improve sleep&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Improved sleep is probably one of the most important mental health benefits of running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After all, where would you be without a good night&rsquo;s sleep!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mental health issues like stress and anxiety are common causes of sleep problems and insomnia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular exercise like running has been proven to help you fall to sleep more quickly and improve the quality of your sleep.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/benefits-of-running\/\">12 amazing benefits of running for the body and mind<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#3 Helps improve breathing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you suffer from anxiety or depression, then you will know the importance of breathing techniques and meditation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Deep breathing is linked to the sympathetic nervous system which controls the fight or flight response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Exhaling is linked to the parasympathetic nervous system, which influences our body&rsquo;s ability to relax and calm down.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running helps your lungs become more efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You get more oxygen to your muscles by better processing the amount you take in during each breath, but also by increasing your respiration rate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/how-to-breathe-when-running-breathing\/\">How to breathe when running: 7 actionable tips<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-3-683x1024.png\" alt=\"mental health benefits of running\" class=\"wp-image-5208\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-3-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-3-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-3-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-3.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-3-683x1024.png.webp\" alt=\"mental health benefits of running\" class=\"wp-image-5208 lazyload\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-3-683x1024.png.webp 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-3-200x300.png.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-3-768x1152.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-3.png.webp 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mental-health-benefits-of-running-3.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#4<\/strong> <strong>Gives you a sense of routine and purpose<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In recent years, many people&rsquo;s routines have altered or changed completely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running provides a sense of routine and purpose during a time when everything feels like it has turned upside down.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Daily goals in the form of positive activities like running help to alleviate feelings of depression and hopelessness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By running two or three times a week, you can set yourself goals to work towards, whether that be to increase the distance you run each week or to improve your race time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/how-to-fit-a-run-into-a-busy-schedule\/\">How to fit a run into a busy schedule<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#4<\/strong> <strong>Improves confidence and self esteem<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best mental benefits of running is that it helps to improve your confidence and self esteem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re suffering with anxiety or depression it can be very challenging to think of yourself in a positive way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By running each week, your confidence grows and the act of running is evidence of your resilience and determination to complete the run. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This in turn helps to boost your confidence levels, increase self esteem and develop a positive body image.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/how-to-build-mental-strength-when-running\/\">Mental strength when running: What running has taught me about inner strength<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#6 Develops a sense of community<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although it may not feel like it right now, running is a great way to make you feel part of a community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The running community online &ndash; whether that be via social media or online events &ndash; is a fantastic one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Making friends via running can be a great form of social support to those suffering from mental health issues like anxiety and depression.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&rsquo;ve achieved a PB or simply want to connect with like-minded people, there are many running communities online where you can share stories, goals and milestones.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/running-clubs\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12005\">10 running clubs changing the world one step at a time<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are many mental health benefits of running and it&rsquo;s a great way to improve your overall health and happiness. There&rsquo;s no wonder then that many people have taken up running over the last 12 months to improve their overall health and wellbeing. According to a 2020 study on the impacts of the pandemic on &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5256,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[16,123],"tags":[12],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":5256,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/86-300x300.png"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5205"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5205"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5205\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13480,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5205\/revisions\/13480"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5256"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5205"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5205"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5205"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}