World Mental Health Day: Four benefits of running
World Mental Health Day is celebrated on 10 October, here’s four benefits of running to improve mental health and more.
10 October marks World Mental Health Day and October is Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa, South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Board Deputy Chairperson and Clinical Psychologist at Tara Hospital, Zamo Mbele, unpacked the benefits of running.
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1. RUNNING IMPROVES SLEEPING PATTERNS
Sleep deprivation impacts your mental abilities and emotional state. Running will boost your body’s serotonin levels, a hormone related to the sleep-wake cycle.
A boost in your serotonin levels improves your brain’s ability to metabolise serotonin and regulate sleep.
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2. RUNNING REDUCES STRESS
Running reduces stress and strengthens your mind’s ability to deal with psychological tension. When you become mentally stressed, your body produces cortisol, which is the primary stress hormone.
However, through physical exercise lyour body produces less cortisol in reaction to stressful situations. This makes running a healthy way to deal with mental stress. In therapy, the activity is encouraged to help with the symptoms of mental illness.
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3. RUNNING BOOSTS YOUR MOOD
Ever heard of ‘runner’s high’? It’s the result of your brain releasing endorphins, which reduce pain, support sleep and improve your mood.
The activity also increases blood circulation to your brain, which stimulates the part of your brain that responds to stress, temporarily improving your mood in stressful situations.
4. RUNNINGS BOOSTS SELF-ESTEEM
The activity improves your body image and self-esteem. Being confident in yourself helps you stay rooted in activities that you love, and it is beneficial to your overall well-being. So, next time you find it hard to get out of bed and go for your morning run, think about all the benefits.
If you or your loved ones are battling with mental health challenges, there is hope. Visit sadag.org for free resources to manage your mental health. SMS 31393 and a counsellor will call you back or call 0800 567 567 – available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. SADAG has a dedicated WhatsApp counselling chat line on 087 163 2030 available seven days a week, from 08:00 to 17:00.
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