🏃‍♀️‍➡️Run Your Way to Better Health🏃🏼‍♀️

Written by: Sraddha Vitta ('29)

Health is one of the most important yet ignored responsibilities that we have. Whether it's working long hours, sitting in lectures, or watching TV all day, we ignore our physical health. One of the best ways to stay healthy is by running. Running for just a few minutes a day and slowly progressing to raise the numbers has endless benefits in your health. Running gives people the gift of many benefits: better sleep, strong muscles all over the body, sharper memory, upticks in mood and energy, lowers heart rate, and allows for a healthier immune system.

Sleep plays a vital role in our overall wellbeing and when you mess with it, you're in big trouble. Running reduces stress and stress is a big part of why we may have trouble sleeping. When stress is present, the body’s fight or flight mode is activated, releasing hormones that increase alertness and energy, making it hard to relax. While you run, your body relieves all the stress that was present before, improving your mood, leading to an increased enthusiasm for physical exercise. Sleep expert, Charline Gamaldo says, “The effect of exercise in some people is like taking a hot shower that wakes you up in the morning.” An increase in body temperatures signals to the body that it's time to be awake. Running helps regulate body temperature, which is necessary for falling asleep. Sleep is when your body repairs itself, and so it's important not to ignore this. 

Running boosts brain health in several powerful ways. As you run, increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to the brain, helping brain cells work more efficiently while also stimulating the growth of new neurons and blood vessels. These neurons strengthen memory, enhance learning, and improve overall brain function. Running also lowers stress hormones, creating a calmer state of mind that allows for better focus and easier recall. Just as running strengthens the muscles in your body, it also strengthens the mind, mile by mile.

Running increases the circulation of white blood cells, which are the body’s “defenders” against germs. This is why you see runners catch fewer colds and other illnesses. It also builds antibodies that help fight off infections. As stress and depression can weaken your immune system, running lowers stress hormones releasing endorphins that help your body and mind stay relaxed. Many runners have experienced significant changes in their health conditions. The most common medical issues that disappear from running are high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and type 2 diabetes.

You can even start by walking, and over time, you will naturally get faster without even realizing it. Speed walking helps too, and it’s best to build up slowly: start with walking, then alternate walking and running, gradually increasing your pace. Running outdoors is great for fresh air and scenery, though treadmills work fine as well. Progress takes time, so be patient, and always stretch before you run. Joining running organizations or using fun running apps can help motivate you. Some apps turn running into games, where you claim territory by running and defend it if someone else takes it. Others donate a small amount for every mile you run. 

Whatever you choose to do, you will be helping yourself stay healthy!