Health Benefits of Running

Stress is a fairly normal reaction to the ups and downs of work, school and family life. Too much stress, however, can impair your mental health, affect your sleep quality and even cause symptoms to flare up in conditions like multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. Thankfully, running releases feel-good endorphins (often called a “runner’s high”) that can ease stress. Like meditation in motion, the repetitive movements from running can also help calm your mind and focus your thoughts. If that wasn’t reason enough, regular exercise can boost your self-esteem, which may affect the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body.