Running is an activity that has been practiced since the dawn of mankind. It is a simple, yet effective form of exercise that has numerous benefits for the human body.

Running is beneficial for our cardiovascular health, it can help us lose weight, and it can even reduce the risk of certain diseases. One surprising benefit of running is its positive impact on brain power.

What happens to our brain when we run?

During exercise, our bodies experience an increased flow of oxygen and blood. This means that our heart and lungs are working harder, which results in more oxygen being delivered to vital organs, including the brain.

When more oxygen is delivered to our brain, it encourages the growth of new blood vessels and brain cells, which can lead to an improvement in our cognitive abilities.

Running Helps with Mental Clarity and Focus

Many people find that after a run, they experience a “runner’s high”. This feeling of euphoria is a result of the release of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters in the brain that produce feelings of happiness and pleasure.

Endorphins are also responsible for reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. This can lead to an improvement in our concentration and focus, as well as our ability to process information quickly and efficiently.

Running Can Help with Memory Recall

A study published in the journal Neuroscience found that aerobic exercise (such as running) can increase hippocampal neurogenesis in adult humans. The hippocampus is a crucial area of the brain that is involved in learning and memory processes.

When we run, our brain releases a protein called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which has been found to increase the survival of new neurons in the hippocampus. This means that running can help improve our memory recall and retention.

Running Can Help with Creativity

If you’re feeling stuck on a problem or struggling to come up with innovative solutions, a quick run can help clear your mind and get your creative juices flowing.

This is because running encourages the production of new brain cells and the growth of new connections between existing brain cells, which can lead to an increase in overall creativity.

Running Can Help with Mental Health

Running has been found to be an effective form of therapy for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.

This is because running can reduce the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in our body, while simultaneously increasing the levels of endorphins and other “feel-good” chemicals in our brain. This can lead to an improvement in our mood, and a reduction in feelings of anxiety and depression.

Running Can Lead to Better Sleep

Another way that running can help boost brain power is through its effect on our sleep. Quality sleep is essential for optimal brain function, and running has been found to promote better sleep patterns.

A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that high school students who participated in regular physical activity, such as running, slept longer and experienced better quality sleep compared to their sedentary counterparts.

As we age, our cognitive abilities naturally decline, leading to a variety of issues such as memory loss and decreased attention span. However, running has been found to slow down this cognitive decline in older adults.

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Ageing Neuroscience found that seniors who engaged in regular exercise, such as running, had improvements in cognitive performance compared to sedentary adults.

Conclusion

Running is a simple and accessible form of exercise that can have numerous benefits for both our physical and mental health.

From improving our mental clarity and focus, to enhancing our creativity and preventing age-related cognitive decline, running has a positive impact on our brain power and overall well-being. So next time you’re looking for a way to boost your brain power, lacing up your running shoes might be the perfect solution.