There are many argument as to what running does to your body. One side says that running puts ware on the body and causes your joints to weaken and become more fragile. On the contrary, many people run not with the fear of being injured, but to strengthen their legs and mind. Many people are surprised to hear that running has a great impact on not only a person’s physical health, but also their mental health.

Often poeple who are depressed use running as an antidepressant. For someone who is struggling to be motivated to do anything, the biggest struggle is getting off the couch. However, once they are off the couch it is said they are more likely to do other things. This is because these small steps are what keeps them going. Once they have taken the hardest step, it is much easier for them to get moving and get things done. The best thing for them to do is to exercise. This is because exercising can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. While running, or doing any type of exercise, will not eliminate depression and anxiety, it can greatly reduce symptoms. It does this by releasing feel-good brain chemicals that can help ease depression, reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression, and may have calming effects when body temperature increases. Physical activity also has many emotional effects such as helping gain confidence and allows for more social interaction. Getting out of the house, making goals for yourself, and interacting with others may help to boost confidence and reduce depression. I have been unable to go running for an extended period. In this time, I have felt a lot sadder and had a lot less motivation than I had before. It has made me realize how much doing physical activity boosts my mood. Not only that but it makes me feel better about myself, allows me to get my mind off things that may be stressing me out, and doesn’t allow me to slip into deep depression.

Many say that running and doing lots of exercise puts ware on the body. While doing the wrong types of exercise and doing an extensive amount may be hurtful, that is not always the case. It depends on how much each person’s body can handle. One way running benefits the body is by helping growth of cartilage in your knees. The impact from running can increase cartilage production and provide a protection from arthritis in these areas. Researchers at the university of Illinois have found that exercising helps our cells to generate new muscle. This is through a process in which our mesenchymal stem cells are triggered, allowing muscle to grow and preventing muscle loss due to age. Many people believe that running weakens joints and bones. However, high impact sports such as running help to increase bone density, helping prevent fractures and osteoporosis. In addition to physically benefiting the body, cardiovascular activity also strengthens the brain. This includes reducing insulin resistance and reducing inflammation. Exercise also stimulates the release of chemicals in the brain that affect brain cell growth, growth of blood vessels, and survival of brain cells. These growth factors have indirect and direct effects on the brain. They directly help growth of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for learning. The indirect effects are that exercise improves mood and sleep patterns. Exercising on a regular basis and getting your body on a consistant schedule is very beneficial to you not only physically but also mentally.

” [Depression] is the leading cause of disability for those ages 15 to 44. A significant percentage of them could improve dramatically with exercise alone,” the National Institute of Mental Health concludes. It has been proven that running and many other types of exercise have many positive effects on a person. It helps to reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood, and strengthen bones and muscle. While many argue that running is more harmful than good, I strongly disagree. Not only is exercise beneficial, but it is also very easy to go out and do. Anyone can put on a pair of running shoes and just run for a while. And they may even enjoy it!