If you're a runner, you know how good it feels to exercise every day. But why stop there? By running every day, you can save money, improve your health, and even make your running faster!
We all know that runners are some of the healthiest people around, but what happens if you run every day? You might expect your body to get used to it and for the benefits to start going away after a while, but instead of tapering off, these runners end up with even more benefits than when they started! In this article, we’ll look at how running every day can improve your body and mind and even help you save money along the way.
Being Happy
Whether you’re a casual runner or someone who runs ultra-marathons, it is no secret that running has a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. However, what you may not realize is that running can also help improve your mood and attitude, making it an excellent way to combat stress and depression. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise such as running increases levels of serotonin (the feel-good hormone) in your brain, making you happier and more optimistic about life.
Being Healthy
Studies have shown that running can lower your chances of developing heart disease, certain cancers, and other chronic conditions. A 2009 study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (known as the gold standard for exercise science) concluded that runners live about three years longer than people who don’t run at all.
Staying Productive
The benefits of running aren’t just physical—you can also read a lot about your mental health. A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise shows that just three 30-minute jogs every week not only helped participants shed pounds but also boosted their moods and made them feel more positive about their lives.
Improving Mindfulness
If you’re thinking about giving running a try, or if you’ve been running for years but want to take your game to another level, mindfulness is an important quality to develop. Mindfulness is all about being present in your life.
Reducing Mental Clutter
Running clears your head in a physical way that’s difficult to replicate. It helps you focus, think clearly, and even reduce stress (for a time, at least). If you’re trying to brainstorm your next business idea or struggling with writer’s block, take a jog to clear your head. You may find clarity in places you didn’t expect.
Losing Weight
There’s no doubt that running can help you lose weight. If you look at many successful marathoners, you’ll see that their training regimen often involves 2-4 long runs a week. The key is to not overdo it start slow and increase your mileage by no more than 10% each week. You should also monitor your calorie intake.
Higher Energy Levels
Studies have found that people who run regularly are more energetic. Even if you don’t feel like working out, you can do it on a whim and still find yourself with enough energy to power through your day. Regular running can also stave off chronic fatigue syndrome and help you wake up without an alarm clock in the morning. Find time to run before work, or jog over to your lunch break for a mini workout!
Better Sleep
Your body only has so much energy to allocate each day, and running takes a lot of it. Running depletes certain amino acids in your muscle cells, which are needed for sleep regulation, Dr. Bud off says. Without enough of these amino acids, you may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
(See #4 on our list for more on how sleep affects weight loss.) One study found that people who didn’t get enough shut-eye were more likely to gain weight over time than those who did. (Learn more about why getting a good night’s rest is important.)
Conclusion
Running every day can improve your body and mind and even help you save money. A 2009 study concluded that runners live three years longer than those who don't run. Just three 30-minute jogs a week can help you shed pounds and boost your mood. If you're thinking about giving running a try, mindfulness is an important quality to develop. Running clears your head in a physical way that's difficult to replicate.
