The concept of running often makes college students cringe. And frankly, it's an action that most of us would only resort to if the cops were crashing a party. Well, I'm aiming to change that mindset.
It doesn't happen overnight, but with training, perseverance, and self-discipline, running can quickly become not only your favorite hobby, but also the answer to so many of your problems. Here are just a few of the many reasons why
1) It's one of the easiest ways to stay in shape.
Along with eating right, running is a great way to maintain your health. The elliptical at the gym won't burn nearly as many calories per minute or work as many muscle groups at once as you'll burn going on a run. Not only is it an excellent cardio workout (a workout that raises heart rate), but it also works your arms, legs, and core. Unless you go crazy and overdo it, running isn't immensely taxing on your body and rarely has negative repercussions.
2) It gives you energy to get through the day.
The concept of a “Runner's High" is definitely no myth and something you will come to love after adopting running into your lifestyle. When you run, the levels of chemical neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinepherine increase and endorphins are released; this increase gives us energy and feelings of euphoria. You are more likely to subconsciously be more active and productive throughout your day before or after a run. It tires your body while energizing your mind, enabling you to get more accomplished, sleep better, and even be more aware of what and how much you're eating. This newfound energy in turn makes you more conscious and motivated.
3) It's an emotional release.
Most of us have a lot of stress and anxieties that we carry around on a day-to-day basis. Running helps eliminate that stress. It gives you time to think, make decisions, and be inspired. Taking a short thirty-minute run can give you just enough time to take a step back from it all and clear your mind. A run can even serve as an excuse to take a study break and come back feeling a little more refreshed and ready to learn.
Whenever something goes wrong or I'm upset, I run. Just taking that time to be with me, myself and I, and sort through the situation, makes me feel immensely better. And I promise it will do the same for you.
4) It allows you to explore and see new places.
I have found some of my favorite spots exploring new routes on a run. Whether it's coming across a cute little restaurant you've never seen in the city or finding a hidden park on a trail in the woods, running allows you to explore places you otherwise never would've wandered. In my opinion, the absolute best way to learn about and experience the place you're in — in its most natural sense — is to go out and run.
5) It gives you a newfound sense of confidence and joy.
Just as the release of endorphins gives you energy, it also makes you feel genuinely happier. And that's not just in the short term. In the long term, running will help you lead a healthier lifestyle, stay in shape, and give you a clear heart and mind. You will grow to love yourself and in turn feel confident and filled with joy.
I urge you to start running. It may not be easy at first, and the hardest part is getting up and doing it. But once you start, the benefits are immense. So put down that laptop, slip on some tennies, and go for a run — you wont regret it!
