This June 5th is Global Running Day and here are some reasons why running can help you improve your mental health.
In an interview with Both Manos, coach Gibar Vargas from Run Club Puebla explains some of the benefits of practicing this sport.
World Running Day is celebrated on the first Thursday of every June and emerged in 2009 as a local holiday in New York City.
The idea is to incorporate older adults and veterans who once practiced this activity. And, on the other hand, invite new generations to start a more active life aimed at taking care of their physical and mental health.
There was so much excitement about this holiday that in 2016 it became an international commemoration that is celebrated in different countries.
More and more people are joining this global movement that positively influences the human body.
Gibar Vargas explained that running, like any other physical activity, produces hormones that provide satisfaction and happiness.
Some runners say that among the most common reasons that motivate someone to start the sport is “a broken heart.”
They say that a runner is born from a broken heart, because of this and other difficult situations, people find motivation to go running for the first time,” he said.
The coach points out that clinically, running has the same positive effects as antidepressants. However, it is not a substitute for professional help to take care of mental health.
Therefore, it is always recommended to seek out an expert on the subject and let physical activity complement the experience or therapy.
Constant exercise can definitely contribute to good mental health. Additionally, it has other benefits such as the support, encouragement, friendships and socialization that comes with joining a running group.
He confirmed that the first step to start as a runner is the attitude, since many times neither the tennis shoes, nor the clothes or the gadgets make the athlete, but the desire to improve day by day.
The coach also recommended setting goals to increase the distances traveled, as well as finding a nutrition specialist to complement the training.
Here you can check out the full interview:
