Running benefits the human body & brain

By Cielo McClendon
Running is an action or movement of one’s body. The movement could be slow, medium, or fast. Running is very good for the health of one’s body, brain, and overall emotions. Everyone already knows how running is good for the body, but how is running good for the brain? Well, when someone is running, the body releases a group of hormones called endorphins. These endorphins prevent muscles from feeling any pain from such a big impact. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, running impacts the body’s stamina, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels, increases mood, and helps lose and/or maintain weight.     
Running regularly grows new blood vessels that nourish the brain. Johns Hopkins Medicine says that “neurogenesis leads to a general development in the brain’s performance and prevents cognitive effectiveness from being affected later on.” Running also vitalizes more brain tissue. Joining Freedom’s indoor & outdoor track team, cross country, or basketball team are good ways to get yourself moving and benefiting from all these positive effect.     
The after effects of running can make a huge difference compared to how someone feels before running. One’s brain can become more resilient, creative, and possibly smarter. Freedom sophomore Nya Morris says that she felt “mentally stronger” after running. The feeling of knowing you went for a run can slim chances of body shaming yourself or having negative thoughts upon your body, according to the website Women’s Running  The feeling could be that you’re more energetic. It can make you feel like you accomplished something great. It can make you feel way more confident in yourself and who you are as a person. There are lots of mental improvements that come with running. Freshman Sonai Pearson, says that “as one of the cross country athletes for Freedom, running helped me believe in the process of becoming a good pacer. I had to push myself to keep running, keep a good breathing rhythm and finish to the end, which helped build my mental confidence/health.”     
Running is a beneficial factor of life. It produces lots of good feelings, emotions, and physical improvement towards the human body. Running not only makes the brain bigger, it makes it smarter. It not only improves body image, it improves body health. It not only supports and helps a person’s mental health, it helps a person be more confident in themselves and who they are. Overall, running is good for your body, mental health, and brain.