The benefits of walking and running for your mental health

Today, 2nd February, marks Time to Talk Day – the nation’s biggest conversation about mental health.

The initiative, run by Mind and Rethink Mental Health Illness, aims to encourage more people to have conversations around mental wellbeing.

That’s why Cotswold Outdoor and Runners Need want to start a conversation about the benefits walking and running can have on your mental health.

Research by Cotswold Outdoor and Runners Need shows 88 per cent of people believe it’s good to get outside as it’s good for the mind, while almost a quarter of runners enjoy the positive benefits of being active on mental health.

Read on to find out more about the benefits of getting outdoors.

‘Switch off and zone out’

Aside from the physical health benefits of walking and running, there are multiple ways exercise can improve your mental health, too.  

For many people, there is nothing quite like that post-run high, which is one of the reasons running is so popular.  

“Running is a time for me to switch off and zone out,” says Michael Gaston, Runners Need expert.

“I can put aside any stress of the day and don’t have to think about anything other than my next step. 

“Just being outdoors in the fresh air and putting one foot in front of the other is incredibly therapeutic.” 

Running is an activity everyone can enjoy, with research showing that almost a quarter of runners (23%) enjoy the positive effects running can have on your state of mind. 

“Our research shows the majority of adults (88%) believe it’s important to get outdoors and be in touch with the outside world as it’s good for the mind,” says Mark Skelton, Cotswold Outdoor expert.

“Getting some fresh air and being active improves your mood by reducing feelings of stress and anxiety, which is why it’s so important to stay in touch with nature.” 

But why exactly do we feel so good after a run or walk? And what additional mental health benefits are there other than the feel-good factor? 

Exercise releases endorphins

Physical activity has been shown to bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. These are the body’s natural pain relievers, and they can boost your mind, too.

The body produces these chemicals during physical activities, which is why running is such a benefit for our mental health.

These released endorphins will make us feel generally happier and more optimistic about life and give us an improved overall mood.  

Positive productiveness

Your list of things to do may feel overwhelming, but ticking off a run can set your day in the right direction.

Getting up and starting your day productively will give you the right push you need to have a good day and get things done.

This will improve your mental health overall, as you will feel more positive and happier in your day-to-day life.  

Clearer and calmer minds

Running is a great way to monitor mental health by focusing the mind and clearing unwanted, wandering thoughts.

If your head feels clouded, get some fresh air and go for a run or a walk.

This will improve your mindfulness and boost creative flow.  

Increases self-esteem

Running and hiking can take confidence and willpower, so completing a run or ramble, no matter how big or small, can dramatically increase levels of self-esteem.

This could give you more confidence and improve your mood, making you feel good about yourself.