There are various exercises or activities for people who want to improve their physical health. However, we know very little about the fitness activities that can help people struggling with mental health.

People with a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to get depressed. The lack of physical activity can also mess up your brain. That is why exercise is extremely important. It will not just keep you in shape but will help you deal with day-to-day stress and mental health issues.

Here are a few reasons why running is a great exercise for your brain: 

Improvement in stress resistance:

According to studies, people who run are more resistant to stress and can handle stressful situations better. This is because aerobic exercises such as running alter the way your brain reacts to stressful situations. Running makes you able to cope with anxiety better. According to Peter Salmon the author of a review of research about exercise and stress published in Clinical Psychology Review, intense aerobic exercises involve a process that increases resilience to stress.

This happens because exercises like running elevate that level of neurotransmitters including serotonin and norepinephrine. This eventually leads to the generation of new neurons.

Fights age-related mental decline:

Running improves your cognitive health at any age. It helps you fight the cognitive decline associated with old age. According to research, running is one of the best exercises to keep your brain healthy as you grow old.

People who regularly engage in physical activities have less memory loss and focus problems. These activities include running, brisk walking, or jogging and are effective for children and adults alike.

Moreover, there is a wide range of cognitive benefits that running offers to older adults. It improves your memory, focus, and ability to switch tasks.

Improves sleep pattern:

In order to function optimally, your brain needs at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Running is one of the best exercises to improve your sleep quality. It is very important for improved psychological functioning. Moreover, it can slow down the age-related cognitive decline in older people.

According to a study, young adults who add running to their routines fall asleep easily. On the contrary, young adults lacking in physical activities have a hard time falling asleep.

If you suffer from insomnia, try to add 30 minutes of moderate running to your regimen. You will start to see the results within a few weeks.

Improves mood:

If you are constantly in a bad mood, running can fix that. Intense physical activity releases one of many neurotransmitters Endorphins. These neurotransmitters are responsible for alleviating stress and pain which eventually lightens your mood. Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are also known as happy hormones as their release results in mood uplift. These hormones are released when you get involved in aerobic exercises such as running. These chemicals are responsible for regulating your mood.  

Boosts ability to focus:

A sedentary lifestyle makes you lethargic. It results in upsetting your sleep pattern. And when you don’t get enough sleep, it gets harder for you to focus and get your day-to-day tasks done. In order to improve your ability to focus, you need to add running to your fitness regimen. It strengthens your cognitive abilities and makes you more mindful.

Reduces depression:

Regular running can help you deal with symptoms of depression. As discussed earlier, one of the best ways to boost your mood is to run. According to a study published in the journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, a 30-minute run can help elevate the mood of people dealing with major depression.

Whether you are running, brisk walking, or jogging, getting on the track positively affects your brain and helps you fight depression.

Mental health is as important as physical health to lead a happy life. If you want to improve your cognitive strength add 15-30 minutes of running to your daily routine.