We could all use more energy to finish the things we want to do. When you are mentally and physically strong, you build up a reserve of energy and endurance that you can tap into when you need it. Spring is a popular time to increase mileage for runners who want to build endurance and you can use the good weather to improve your emotional health as well.
ENERGY. Running makes me feel free and full of energy, and most importantly, it clears my mind. If you have seen the movie Unfinished Business starring Vince Vaughn, there was a part in the movie where he was so stressed out, pressured and hopeless that he doesn’t know what to do. Even though he was exhausted and wearing a suit, he joined the marathon to clear his mind before a big decision. Spoiler alert, he chose the right decision and goes on to succeed.
We are constantly bombarded by stressors in our everyday lives. Sometimes these stressors pile up and our minds may have a hard time processing new information. This is where exercise or running can help develop the body not only physically, but also mentally. It is amazing that running, which requires energy, in turn gives energy to the mind and body.
ENDORPHINS. This feel-good chemical allows runners to push themselves to seemingly impossible limits. When pain or fatigue sets in our body gets help from its automatic natural pain-killer, “endogenous morphine.” Prehistoric men could not survive a life in the wild and may have not gotten very far running away without this endorphin. In addition to being an inhibitor of pain signals that allow us to push on through discomfort, it can also produce, in some cases, a feeling of euphoria. After a mile run, the mind becomes at ease and at peace with the scenery and the rhythm it gives to our body.
ENDURANCE. People think of running as a strenuous activity but it doesn’t have to be bad for your body. For beginners, you should do proper stretching and pace yourself as you build up endurance. There are lots of reasons why people choose to get up and jog early morning. You get to see the beautiful sunrise while flushing out the bad toxins and increases your stamina. We need endurance in almost everything we do every day. Whether we go to work, walk our dogs, go swimming or take your spouse on a date, we need endurance to sustain our daily activities. As long as you are cleared by your doctor, you can start building endurance today.
Energy, endorphins, and endurance are great ways to build in healthier habits in all aspects of your life. Start with running and see what other positive habits you can develop in the next weeks.