When I first started running on a regular basis it wasn’t super easy in the beginning. Implementing a routine always requires a certain amount of discipline. I wasn’t necessarily lacking discipline, but I had a lot of other things on my mind. I was 19 years old, just graduated, and didn’t really know where life would take me. In the process of figuring out what I was about to do with the rest of my life, I have decided to start running. After only a few days it has become a part of my daily life, filled with ambition and the goal to continuously get better.
Now, 12 years later… still running every day, and I can say that it was the best decision I have ever made. A run for 20-25 mins can transform your mind, body, and soul. The good thing about running is that you don’t need excessive equipment, nor do you need a partner for it. It’s just you and your run. You decide how long, or how fast you run. Everything is in your control. You can add music to your run, or just listen to nature and experience its beauty. It’s a really amazing thing and everybody can do it. It just requires that tiny little bit of willpower that we all have! It is not only a really practical routine, but it also comes with a lot of benefits, that I have experienced firsthand.
The benefits of adding running to your regular routines
+ Daily shot of good mood
Well, I’m a morning runner (when possible). In the morning, running acts as a substitute for coffee. It doesn’t matter how many times the kids were up last night, or how late I went to bed – after my run, I’m up, and ready to go. Running does not only increases your energy levels, but it can also lift up your mood. It triggers the production of endocannabinoids that make you happier and more focused.
+ Form of meditation
Meditation does not always require you to sit down in a lotus position and close your eyes. It basically means being in the moment, without any distraction. When you are able to really shut everything off around you and focus on your run, you are able to enter a meditative state. To me, it feels like my legs, and my whole body is moving alone, effortless. My mind is in that exact moment, and I feel stronger than ever. In those moments a lot of tension and built-up stress is released.
+ Helps to break bad habits
When practicing a healthy routine on a regular basis can help you break bad habits. When running every day you’re less likely to engage in bad habits like smoking, eating unhealthy, or excessive drinking. After a run, your body feels good, alive, and healthy. You want to keep it that way.
+ More productivity and confidence
After my everyday run, I feel so much more productive. Like nothing is too much and I’m fast at all the things I have planned. Usually, after exercise, your creativity levels are rising and it helps you to stay focused on what you’re doing. In addition to that, people who work out regularly tend to be more self-confident. They have high self-esteem and an improved body image.
+ Regulates body and vital systems
Like any sport, it is important to do it in moderation. Running a marathon every day will probably do more than it would do any good. As long as you know your limits and stick to those, running is a very good thing that you can do for your body and vital systems. Runners are less likely to have high blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases. Running frequently will also boost your metabolism and it is an acknowledged way to prevent cancer. Researchers have reported that adrenalin plays a huge role in cell metabolism, and such activity triggers a reaction in the body that somehow impedes cancer cells.
+ Improves sleep
One of the things that are very important to me personally, is the quality of sleep. Engaging in activities like running will improve your night-time sleep patterns. You will have less trouble falling asleep and the quality of your sleep will improve. Overall I feel a lot more rested after I had a good workout the prior day.
I hope I am able to convince some of y’all to join the Running-Force and #stayhealthy 😉
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