You’ve probably heard it before: exercise is good for your health. In fact, exercise is one of the single most effective ways to prevent a wide variety of negative health outcomes, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and various cancers. Scientific research supports the fact that running in particular not only improves your physical health, but also your emotional and spiritual well-being.
A study published by Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, found that as little as 30-45 minutes of exercise, jogging for example, was effective at improving the mood of individuals with diagnosed depression, shortly after. This is not to say that those who do not suffer from major depressive order would not achieve the same lift in mood. “Runner’s high” is not just a saying – this phenomenon is actually the result of a rush of endorphins and other chemicals being released into your blood stream, initiated through running. The “runner’s high” can also be felt with other forms of exercise, but generally to a lesser extent. In 2007, Physiological Behavior published a study demonstrating a similarity in the brain’s neurochemical response to running, with other commonly used addictive drugs. Maybe the next time someone claims running to be their drug, you should take them a little bit more seriously!
Even with all of the known health benefits, why is it so hard to get yourself into a running routine? One word – motivation. It is never easy to take the initiative in trying new things, especially when it involves some strenuous physical activity. Once you start running, how do you keep yourself motivated? Another word – music. Listening to your favorite tunes is one of the easiest ways to stay energized, and even increase endurance.
How is this so? Well, music’s motivational effects stem from its ability to activate the body’s sympathetic nervous system. When this happens, your bronchial airways open, the heart rate increases slightly, and the muscles in your lower body prepare themselves for movement.
Okay, now you want to give music a try – will your standard Apple white earbuds do the trick? Maybe – but you will soon find them to be less than ideal for running. Your best bet is to stick with what is tried and tested, some high-quality wireless Bluetooth headphones for running. No tangles, no snags – just running. Check out PricenFees for an informative guide, which outlines the best Bluetooth headphones for running.
Start running, stay motivated, stay healthy.
Leave a Reply