I’m happy to present a guest post from Ryan Rivera, Publisher and Founder of Calm Clinic.
As fitness has grown to be a trend, more and more individuals have become drawn into marathon running. Nevertheless, the actual marathon is not the only one that has attracted its own following. Numerous fitness enthusiasts have also become interested in the activity. Indeed, one cannot undermine the benefits of running. Aside from aiding in weight loss, it can also be an effective weapon against anxiety and stress.
Improved circulation of blood and oxygen
Marathon training is best known for its physical benefits, particularly for improving cardiovascular strength. It keeps you healthy by improving your blood circulation and stamina. It is also regarded as an effective weight loss routine. As your blood flow becomes regulated, training for the marathon makes it easier for your body to shed off unwanted calories and fats. Your lungs can also find an ally in this activity as it improves the oxygen flow. Several medical and scientific studies also highlight the role of marathon training in combating osteoporosis.
Healthier lifestyle
Although marathon training is primarily a physical activity, running also has its share of effects on the overall morale and disposition of the individual. Most runners share that they feel happier after a run. It helps people cope with stress better. It is also an excellent opportunity to train yourself to absorb the mindset of a healthy lifestyle. Individuals who are religiously engaged into marathon will have an easier time to absorb gradual shifts of perspective into holistic fitness. For avid junk food eaters, gradual changes in the diet to include more fruits and vegetables will be easier to adapt to.
Reduced sleeping problems
Those who are suffering from anxiety disorders often complain about sleeping problems. Since marathon training consumes much of your energy, you will no longer experience difficulties in getting asleep at the end of the day. The more religious and persistent you are in your training, the easier it will be for your body to replenish the energy consumed during the day. Thus, your body will make itself fall asleep faster.
Positive outlook
Studies also prove that after 30 minutes of marathon training, your body can already release endorphins. Endorphins are considered to be depression fighters. These neurotransmitters are responsible for making people feel better about themselves. The more positive your self-worth is, the more manageable your anxiety attacks will be. When your mind is filled with positive thoughts about yourself, negative thoughts like anxiety will no longer have a place to seep into. In fact, avid marathon trainees exude a more positive perspective of themselves and the things going on around them.
Self-fulfillment
The sense of personal accomplishment that you get from completing the training required to run a marathon will also be very helpful in reducing your anxiety attacks. Your performance is easy to measure through the number of miles you complete per training. Thus, it is easier to track your progress and record improvements. This sense of personal fulfillment can also translate to other proactive thoughts and actions such as a ‘can-do’ attitude. When you feel good about yourself, you will also feel more confident in embracing new challenges and more difficult tasks. This sense of confidence will greatly reduce the occurrences of anxiety attacks. Soon, you will find it easier to manage your anxiety.
Ryan Rivera has spent 7 years of his life suffering from, as he calls it, the “whole package” – panic attacks, severe anxiety, agoraphobia, social anxiety, unbearable physical symptoms, headaches, neck pains, constant tension, diarrhea, palpitations, pounding heart. Ryan made a number of “huge leaps” toward anxiety elimination and a more fulfilling life. His successes inspired and gave him determination to help other people who suffer from the same condition as he did and show them the light at the end of the tunnel.
Check out Calm Clinic for helpful information about managing an anxiety disorder.
Running (and fitness in general) are a HUGE tool for me to relieve stress and maintaining my overall mental health. It’s a time for me to step away from all the crazies and to focus inward, take care of me and clear my head. Thanks for the great post!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Friday Round-Up: TRX, Marathons, Fitness Truths
This is such a great post! It is very easy for me to get anxious, it is so great that running is a tool to help cope with that. Also the increasing circulation is awesome, I want my heart to be as healthy as possible!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie recently posted..Running Outside For The First Time
Well stated. I think it’s a real benefit to people to have something to train for. A purpose. Something other than showing up at the gym or pounding the pavement because they’ve been told it’s good for them (there’s value in that, too, and commitment to doing that is commendable), but there’s real POWER in having something specific to train for.
A marathon, an obstacle course race, a 5k, a weekend basketball league, the office softball team, something, a purpose, an objective, a goal. Competition doesn’t hurt, either, though for some people it can add an element of stress and performance anxiety and thereby undo a lot of the purpose it was meant to serve. That’s what’s great about marathon training; you can decide how competitive you want to be. You can run just for the accomplishment of it, compete with yourself to improve your time or compete with others to place higher and higher in the races. Your choice, you set the degree of competition to serve your needs.
Studies have shown a healthy lifestyle to be a panacea for most of the ills that ail us. Ponce de Leon was looking in the wrong place, the Fountain of Youth is located within.
Jonathan Aluzas recently posted..Fitness Confidential: Recollections of a Rock ‘n Run
So true! The mental really goes along with the physical. As well as feeling calmer and better, I feel like there’s strength that comes with it. When you know you have that strength, nothing can stop you.
Kate recently posted..1 in 500
Agreed! Just this week I was noticing how I manage stress better on days that I run or strength train. I feel better and the stress feels less.
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
So true! Ask any runner and the majority of them will say they are a better person after they have run. I know I do!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Running Pop Quiz
I”m a believer! I find I have none of the issues you mentioned, and I can imagine I might if it weren’t for running in my life. And I love the name of your clinic–calm–what a great choice!
misszippy recently posted..Who wants to run the Blue Ridge Marathon?
I love running for its simplicity (even when difficult). It’s a great way to spend time with yourself and others. Great for clearing the mind and for learning more about yourself with every stride you make
Kierston recently posted..8 More Sleeps to the SAF and Physique Canada Stage!
Absolutely! I’ve found this to be true for myself– I appreciate running the most when I’m in a really stressful phase of life. Great post!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Race day goals and fueling
What a fantastic post. I really enjoyed this read, I suffer from horrible anxiety, panic attacks, etc and have physical symptoms pretty often. I take medication for it, I have tried to control without before but it never works, the medication doesn’t work alone for me either, just staying active, living a healthy lifestyle in addition to my medications really help me out and able to control my anxiety and moods more often.
Dawn @ Dawnieslife recently posted..Being Brave and Facing the Dreaded Weigh In
Running definitely helps me with anxiety and stress! If I don’t get my morning run in I feel wound up and need to get that energy out somehow
Kat recently posted..Check those lovely lady lumps
I feel more calm just after reading this! Perfect example of a guest post!
PS thanks for the tweet today. I think Roman was a little overwhelmed by all the messages. He sent me a note saying I have his full attention! Mission accomplished!
Brad Gouthro Fitness recently posted..Help Me, Help @JohnRomaniello #FitFluential #LLTV
Great! I’m happy to hear that. It is so simple sometimes to help someone out.
Debbie recently posted..Guest Post: Suffering from Anxiety? Train for the Marathon