How Does Running Increase Well-Being?
- May 7, 2023
- 3 min read
Written by: Dr. Faye Borja, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I feel it in my soul when my stride rolls from my sole through my toes. I am not the greatest runner, but I fit my best form every day. Running, hiking, or walking a scenic route gives me life, and my mood-altering substance of choice is endorphins. This drug is lit. Each day we should tune into our mind/body/soul for the turnup.
SOOO many miles. No pain. I am not sure if it was because it was so cold outside it numbed my muscles, or maybe this marathon training was working! Mid run my phone died. So, I did some visualization. I remembered the time I went skydiving, the way the cold air hit my face, and I felt like I was flying. Before I knew it, after another hour or so, I was home. This runner’s high is something I will never forget.
I feel that I have had a few peak experiences in my life. Completing a marathon for the first time is one of my greatest accomplishments, but the experience during the rigorous training led to what a great theorist, Abraham Maslow described as “a sense of awe, wonder, and reverence.” It was a spiritual feeling that made me feel connected with the world and self simultaneously. I was left feeling inspired.
With the recent increase in mental health awareness, various techniques are discussed and implemented in therapy to encourage ways to decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, or maladaptive behaviors. The Marathon Handbook gives insight into how running aids in relieving stress and anxiety. Oswald, Campbell, Williamson, and Richards (2020) reviewed the literature on The Relationship between Running and Mental Health. Some of the studies revealed that there was a decrease in depression and anxiety among runners versus non-runners or increased self-esteem and coping abilities of those training for a marathon.
3 Major Benefits of Running
Discipline
Demonstrating commitment to a goal offers structure and organization to our often-complex lives. A training run schedule sets the stage for organizing other areas of our daily responsibilities such as planning meals, attire, and timing around work or other obligations.
Physical Health
There are several benefits of running. A boost in immunity and cardiovascular health are a couple. There is also an improvement in joint mobility and less knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. To add, as the body endures strenuous exercise, the body requires recovery that a good night’s rest provides. Improved sleep is one of the unexpected benefits of running.
Self-esteem and efficacy
Being that running can be a solitary sport, the ability to self-soothe and motivate self is imperative in training runs. We can reach out for a word or two of encouragement from a friend, but what others say to us has nowhere near an impact as what we can say to ourselves. Greater confidence and healthy body image contribute to positive well-being.
Running does not have to be the only way one can reap these benefits. Five Top Biohacking Secrets To Kick-Start Your Wellness In 2023 offers ways to stay active in your daily routine. Taking short walks, simple exercises at your office, or choosing alternatives such as taking the stairs versus the elevator are just a few ways you can take action toward mental fitness.
For more tips and tricks on increasing overall well-being, reach out to therapeutic practices such as GO! Therapeutic Services & Supervision, LLC, or The Hardy Clinic, where trained therapists can help guide you towards a healthy lifestyle!
Dr. Faye Borja, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Faye Borja is a licensed psychotherapist. Her years of experience in mental healthcare and in leadership has allowed her the opportunity to share her insight within supervisory, training and mentorship roles. She values integrity, honesty, kindness and growth. Running her first marathon is what led her to her doctoral journey. She often says, “if you can achieve any distance, you can go even further.” She owns GO! Therapeutic Services & Supervision, LLC, and is also the Clinical Manager at The Hardy Clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
