Last semester, I started to run on a regular basis. At the time, I was only doing it for exercise. However, I quickly learned that there is much more that can be gained from running than just exercise.
Here are some things I’ve gained from running.
Clears Your Mind
College students are often so enveloped in schoolwork and the social scene, that they rarely have time for themselves. Running is the perfect time to forget about all of your problems, relieve your stress, and gain a clear head. It is also a great time to reflect and straighten out all of your thoughts.
It’s Refreshing
Not only does running leave you with a clear head, it completely refreshes you. I can think of a number of times when I was unable to accomplish any homework, and went on a quick run to cure the problem. There is something about running that can completely change your mood and leave you feeling like a new person.
It Gets You High
Ever heard of runners high? This change of mood is due to the chemicals in your brain, released while running, that get you high. During strenuous exercise, natural endorphins are released into your brain. These endorphins resemble opiates, and leave you with a feeling of well-being.
Health Benefits
Running will help keep off the extra pounds heavy drinking and fast food add onto your waist. Not only that, but running keeps your heart and lungs functioning in prime condition, among other things.
A Sense of Accomplishment
After arriving home from a run, there is a feeling of achievement. This sense of accomplishment is unlike the feeling you get after completing a homework assignment, it is a much better sensation. For me, this is a feeling of self accomplishment. A feeling of actually doing something for yourself, and not for another person or for a grade.
Get Started
Despite all of these great benefits one can gain from running, it is often viewed as a dreadful task. Once you get over this blockade, and start looking at running as more than just exercise, you will unleash the true joys of running. And once you get the ball rolling, it’s hard to stop it.
Thumbnail Credit: Hamed Saber
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Jay Willingham - CampusByte
Hey Dan,
I’ve found that both lifting weights and running make the perfect pair for receiving the maximum benefits listed above. My favorite part is definitely the runners high.
I recommend running to anyone who has trouble getting motivated, either about school or work or anything. Go for a run and see how motivated you are after that!
Thanks for the great post Dan.
Dan Northern
I haven’t hit the weights in quite some time. I’ve just been doing a little calisthenics , but the lifting – running combo is perfect. I have to agree.
Well said, it truly works wonders on gaining motivation.
Mohammad Arfeen
Get a good pair of running shoes. Biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone interested in running.
Dan Northern
Great advice. The comfort that a quality running shoe can give you is very important. That is unless, you prefer to run barefoot.
Mohammad Arfeen
Yup, its usually best to go to a specialty running store and have them tell you exactly what kind of shoe you need for your running style.
Josh
I started jogging every morning around the time that I started college. It's great. It gets your heart pumping and the adrenaline going. It's a great way to start the day!