How Can Excercise Improve Your Mental Health?
Focus: Running
You hit the pavement to improve your
cardiovascular health, build muscle and,
on occasion, to make up for that extra slice of chocolate cake. But did
you know that while you're taking care of your body,
you're also taking care of your mind?
Runners have touted the great feeling of a runner's high for years. As
you begin to run, your heart starts
pumping harder and pushing blood through your body at a faster rate.
Your respiratory system starts working
harder and you mentally prepare yourself for vigorous exercise. As you
continue to push yourself to go harder and faster, your body starts
releasing endorphins. These hormones act as a stimulant in the body,
resulting in what many call a "natural high."