Running has played an important role throughout our history, in how we have evolved, to the way it helped shape our societies. Humankind developed the ability to run for long distances about 2.6 million years ago.
Originally, to hunt, but later running also became a form of competition at religious festivals and in kingdoms dating back to 1171 BC in Ireland (before the first Olympics), then later used by the Romans for political purposes, with messengers that would run up to 50 miles per day to deliver important messages.
Today, running is a popular form of physical activity. About one in five people try running, or jogging, at some stage in their life. Running is an appealing exercise because it doesn’t cost a lot to take part in, and you can run at any time that suits you. Some runners choose to participate in fun runs, athletic races, or marathons.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
An inactive lifestyle is associated with higher mortality, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and stroke. It is also a primary cause of most chronic diseases, as the body rapidly adapts to insufficient physical activity which results in substantially reduced quality of life.
Regular running, or jogging, offers many health benefits such as:
- Helps to build strong bones, as it is a weight bearing exercise.
- strengthens muscles.
- Improves cardiovascular fitness.
- Burns calories.
- Helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Adds longevity to life.
- Better sleep
- Improves immunity.
- Improves cognitive function and reduces cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s.
- Reduces risk of many cancers
- Improves glucose regulation and lowers risk of diabetes and pre-diabetes.
Running, or jogging or some form of exercise for at least three to five times per week will promote these physical changes and keep your health consistent.
MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS:
Reduces stress. After your run, endocannabinoids are released in your body, which is a biochemical substance like cannabis. This naturally produced chemical in your body floods your bloodstream and moves into the brain, this provides short term feelings of reduced stress, and calm, and could improve your physical and mental response to stressful situations.
Boosts your mood. Running may lessen anxiety and depression in some people. It won’t make depression disappear overnight, but it could help you manage the symptoms. Some studies suggest regular running can have the same effect as medication in relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improves sleep. Running may help you set a normal sleep schedule, according to some studies. Chemicals released during, and after, running relax your body and encourage deep sleeping.
Having a regular sleep schedule is good for your brain and may improve your mental health. Some studies show that running too close to bedtime could have the opposite effect.
Boosts brainpower. Running and other cardiovascular exercises help create new brain cells. This can lead to improved brain performance in some people.
If running isn’t an option for you, there are many other cardio-style exercises that have the same impact as running such as swimming, cycling, rowing, jump rope, walking, mountain climbing, boxing, jumping jacks and stair climbing, are some other options.
At CanAm Interventions we promote healthy lifestyle as a natural way to recover from addiction and/or to manage mental health conditions.
For More Information:
E: patti.pike@canaminterventions.com W: www.canaminterventions.com 1-800-638-1812 Toll Free Internationally
415-827-3725 Cell /Text 415-578-2875 Office