Run for your life

So you started running or about still planning to begin your routine, then suddenly you lack motivation to continue or even to start with. Very relatable! Specially if the running circuit isn't available in your community, or the trail takes few miles to reach, or maybe you have a day job and your only option is to do it early in the morning, it's gonna take a ton of spirit to force your body to do it. Like what Atomic Habits, one of the best selling book of James Clear, had taught me, forming new habits needs to be obvious, attractive and rewarding.

Get ready to explore the exhilarating and rewarding benefits that running can bring to your body in this article! As you embark on your healthy running journey, you'll witness incredible transformations in both your mental health and physical wellness.

Let's dive into the amazing benefits for your mental state. I vividly recall working on a project for a financial firm before the pandemic, and it was truly overwhelming. (Thankfully, I still have some brainpower left today!) It was during this time that I first embraced running as part of my daily routine. While I had run on a treadmill at the gym before, I never really enjoyed it until I ventured into outdoor running. Let me tell you, running amidst nature is infinitely more satisfying! It's my ultimate stress buster. Plus, I get to team up with my wife, and we motivate each other to push our limits. We're not professional athletes, but we've harnessed positive energy and even set our sights on our first 5K marathon—something we wouldn't have prioritized in the past. I've also noticed a boost in my mental clarity, which enabled me to successfully complete our programming project. This momentum even inspired me to learn swimming, just one of the many new skills I picked up during that time.

Running is a fantastic physical sport that offers numerous benefits for our bodies. It's suggested that running can help prevent heart attacks or strokes. Studies even indicate it may reduce the risk of various types of cancer, improve sleep patterns, and ward off bone-weakening illnesses. But how true are these claims? Well, it's important to note that exercise in general contributes to these benefits, not just running. According to the National Cancer Institute's website, regular exercise helps balance estrogen levels and other growth factors linked to breast cancer. It's also known to lower blood insulin levels, reduce inflammation, and enhance metabolism and the immune system—all factors that could be connected to cancer development.

This doesn't mean that running by itself will enhance your overall well-being. I firmly believe that our diet defines us and that everything should be consumed in moderation. Nonetheless, engaging in any physical activity is a great beginning. Keep in mind that consistency is crucial. I hope you find this information useful, and I would appreciate your feedback so we can improve together!