The 'running' relieves depression and improves levels of stress and anxiety

It increases the levels of noradrenaline, a substance that is involved in the body's response to stress, and of serotonin in the brain, which helps to improve depressive symptoms

Have you ever wondered why 'running' is so fashionable? Why is it that people who run daily or almost daily are doing well and are hooked on this practice? Behind this sport there are numerous mechanisms that lead us to find ourselves better, not only physically but also mentally.

There are many works that have shown the positive benefits of 'running' for physical and psychological health. These benefits are observed in the psychological well-being through an improvement of the subjective health, that is to say, of the health that we perceive, an improvement of the state of mind. Besides losing weight, it has been observed that the practice of running relieves depression and improves levels of anxiety and stress. In addition to all this, some studies report an increase in levels of self-esteem, perceived self- efficacy and better management of emotions such as anger.

The 'running' is also responsible for the regulation of certain bodily functions such as sleep, appetite or sexuality, functions that are fundamental to our psychological well-being.

What are the mechanisms involved in this improvement of our mood? Physical exercise improves the regulation of different systems of our body: respiratory system, cardiovascular system, nervous system and even the immune system. But how does the regulation of these systems influence our mood? The practice of physical exercise produces in the long term an increase in the levels of certain substances in our body called neurotransmitters.

There is an increase in the levels of noradrenaline, a substance involved in the body's response to stress. There is also an increase in serotonin levels in the brain, which helps to improve depressive symptoms and reduce anxiety. Therefore, the 'running' naturally stimulates the availability of these neurotransmitters and produces an improvement in our mood. Also, the practice of running is involved in reducing levels of cortisol, a hormone that participates in the body's response to stress.

We cannot forget the social nature of 'running': the practice with more people improves social relations, communication and motivation.

The physical exercise - and, therefore, the 'running' - stimulates the pituitary gland responsible for the production of endorphins. Endorphins are hormones linked to neurotransmission functions, involved in the regulation of pain and the sense of well-being. They are similar to opioids in their analgesic effect and in that sense of well-being. The natural stimulation of this system through physical exercise can improve the mood for its euphoric and relaxing effects. For this reason, it is also advisable to practice physical exercise to people suffering from diseases that cause pain: arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.

We cannot forget the importance and the social character in which running is interfered, since the practice with more people improves our social relations, our communication and, of course, our motivation.