Running has changed my life in ways I can't describe. When I look back, I often divide my life into periods of "before" and "after running"--I've been much happier in the latter. Though I obviously can't trace this back solely to running, it has definitely contributed massively.

The thing is: it's never too late to start running. Take me for example: before I began, I lived the definition of a sedentary lifestyle. I'd lie in bed all day or sit before a screen till my eyes stung. Only two years ago, I started for a complicated mixture of reasons. Though I still can't say I'm very good, I transitioned from this into having to run to feel comfortable. Yes, it's benefited me boundlessly. Here are five of the reasons why you should run.

1. Improve Physical Health

This should be a no-brainer. Running is touted as one of the best ways to get in shape and raze body fat. Besides that, by improving both cardiovascular and muscular strength, running can prevent myriad health issues, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis. It also can keep cholesterol levels in check and strengthen your immune system. Lastly, it can improve the quality of sleep (which I can first-hand confirm.)

2. Mental Effects

The feeling you get after a run is literally drug-like and has been compared to the likes of morphine but healthy. After a run, your body releases endorphins, a neurotransmitter associated with perception of pain. This improves mood and dulls the discomfort you may be expected to feel. Besides that, you mentally feel a sense of accomplishment, and even though you may be tired, it's the happiest sort of fatigue. Also, running can keep your mental sharpness in tip-top shape by preventing the degeneration of the hippocampus.

Running also strengthens the quality of your mental character. As I've heard many say, running is more of a competition for yourself rather than a race to achieve victory against others. The main goal is to better your own times or speed. In this fashion, running encourages healthy goal-setting behavior and develops determination and dedication. As an added plus, studies also show that running improves concentration.

3. Feel Connected

Running can lead to feeling more connected with people, with your community and with the world as a whole. If you join a team or run with a group of friends, you can bond with people and encourage each other to persist. There are also a number of forums online dedicated to our sport (for example, LetsRun). Also, going on runs outdoors is a great method to explore nature and your community.

4. Time To Unwind

Instead of a chore, running should be something to be anticipated. It gives you ample thinking time to unravel your thoughts, an escape from the exigent pressures of life. It is at this time where you can also find the inspiration and get ideas for creative endeavors. You can also discover and jam out to new music--there are plenty of Spotify playlists dedicated to exercise, and maybe one of them will contain your next favorite song. I also like to compile my own running playlists to keep me company. Some people like to create multiple playlists and tailor them to the sort of running workout for the day, such as playlists for long, tempo runs versus those for shorter, speedier days.

5. Eat More (Duh!)

It's common knowledge that running slashes hundreds of calories at once. Besides compensating for that, you do need food in order to successfully run. Carbs are godly, restocking and replenishing the energy we need. Protein builds up muscle enough so that your legs can withstand the miles of pounding. Pasta, anyone?