The benefits of exercise are endless and studies have shown that it is the most effective way to enhance our physical and mental function. Have you considered what effect cortisol has on the body? Behavioral issues such as anxiety can keep us from concentrating on what is most important in our lives. Excessive exposure can even lead to some forms of illness.
Although stress is an inevitable product of life, the average American experiences daily worry and claim that it has an immediate effect on their personal lives. Even though stress and anxieties are impossible to eliminate completely – we can successfully manage them. There is one way to guarantee an improvement in our behavior from one day to the next. Running is one of the most recommended solutions to managing stress and anxiety. Read more to find out how running can reduce stress.
The Power of Running
Running is one of the most powerful forms of aerobic activity. This is a cardio workout that strengthens our cardiovascular health by pumping blood efficiently. With improved health of the heart, the body and muscles receive more oxygen, which they need to manage bodily organs. Running promotes weight loss, improves our mood, strengthens the heart muscle, prevents disease and significantly fights off stress and anxiety. By regularly participating in running or jogging, it reduces tension and manages our behavior on a daily basis.
This cardio workout can actually reorganize the brain so that stress has less of an impact on how we think, look and feel. By getting regular aerobic activity, brain cells will regulate nervous energy and build a much stronger mental and physical foundation. It also has an immediate effect on the nervous system, which is why we feel better after a short but intense cardio workout.
How does Running Prevent Anxiety?
GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a common behavioral problem for men and women. It may be the result of genetics, mental health, food, worries, financial problems etc. This is a problem that is conditioned by constant worrying and close to 100,000 Americans claim that it changes how they feel and make decisions every day.
Although there are a number of ways to prevent nervous energy – running is amongst the most effective. Studies show that the symptoms associated with anxiety are more prone to retract if we get enough cardio activity. It significantly fights off tension, worry, pain and irritability.
It’s exciting to know that there is a natural and healthy method such as cardio activity which is available to anyone who is willing to improve their sense of self. With its ability to impede depression symptoms and promote health in a number of ways, it’s no wonder why so many people have made exercise an essential part of their day.
The Role of Brain Chemicals
Fortunately, science has showed us how running improves our mood and prevents anxiety and/or depression. Dopamine is a brain chemical and a neurotransmitter that is linked to moderate running. Feeling stressed is linked to the death of cells and can even play a part in disease or physical conditions. It’s prominent to note that there is a positive and negative form of stress. Running creates positive stress, which builds new cells and perfects pathway structures. Positive stress equips us with the robust foundation we need to fight off disease, depression and weakness. Brain chemicals can be altered by how we eat and train our body.
Running forces an athlete to exert energy, increase their heart rate and take in more oxygen. This increase in oxygen consumption delivers more nutrients to the brain, organs and muscles. When the brain receives more oxygen it is equipped to manage the nervous system, hormones and prevent mood swings or nervous energy from transpiring.
Behavioural Factors also Reduce Anxiety
If you begin to run and see positive changes in how your body looks it will improve what image you have of yourself. Over time, you will feel more prideful and confident in who you are. This new image that you have can actually help you perform well in other tasks. Running teaches you self-discipline, which leads to self-control in what you eat too.
A low self-esteem can cause anxiety and depression. How we see ourselves has the influence to transform how we interact with others at work or in our personal lives. Although there are mental health benefits of running in a neurochemical way, it also plays out in our behavior. Fluctuating hormones and cortisol is reduced and endorphins are released. By running for a minimum of 20 minutes at least every other day you can benefit from running’s healing power.
Fight off Sensitivity to Nerves and Stress
Many of us are sensitive to foods and sedentary activity. Many people don’t realize that anxiety is a symptom of this sensitivity which is one reason why people suffer from psychological and physical issues. The good thing about being this sensitive is that you can control how quickly your body heals by managing what foods you eat and how often you exercise.
By running regularly you can control this sensitivity. As you breathe in more oxygen, strengthen your muscles, immune system, cognitive-functioning and nervous system you will have more control over your behavior and emotions (which cause us to act irrationally at times.) Many of us store energy as a result of how much food we eat and lack of strenuous exercise. We need exert this energy, not only mentally, but physically in order to feel our best.
Running mandates that we push energy throughout our entire body. It requires focus, concentration and strength. Physical stressors (which reshape brain and muscle cells) counteract cognitive stressors. It’s comforting to know that we have control over how we feel and react in many situations. Anxiety increases panic and can feel like a loss of all control. Running helps fight off these stressors and behavioral problems by strengthening the core of who we are. In order to feel good and look good we must learn how to replenish our body from the inside out.
Has running helped you reduce anxiety or prevent stress? Share your comments below.
