Take Up Running!

You can get so much more out of running/jogging than just the physical effort of putting one foot in front of the other. Physically, yes, it:

Lowers levels of body fat and obesity
Lowers risks of heart disease and stroke
Strengthens bones, reducing risk of osteoporosis, osteo-arthritis, etc.
Reduced risk of diseases such as cancer and diabetes
Improves the immune system
Creates stronger muscles, and reduces the risk of degradation of joints
Reduces risk of back pain
Reduces incidence of depression and anxiety
Increases co-ordination and mobility, especially in older adults.

All of those benefits alone should be enough to get you pulling on your trainers but, aside from that, running gives you as much mentally:

Quiet determination
Deep reserves of inner strength
Freedom from everyday anxieties
Peace of mind
An appreciation of the beautiful countryside you are running through and a chance to marvel at nature
A chance to think
Increase in mental strength that helps you cope better with everyday life
A chance to appreciate how wonderful your body feels as you exercise
A sense of achievement
That wonderful ‘Feel Good Factor’!

So, go on, don’t hang on to excuses – give running/jogging the green light and make the changes necessary to start really living a vibrantly healthy life in mind, body and emotion!

Lisa Lawson