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It’s a scientifically proven fact that running does wonders for your physical health, but that’s not where the benefits end: Running is just as powerful a tool when it comes to your mental health and wellness.
From enhancing your mood to supporting many specific conditions, research proves that running can transform your brain cells and positively influence your brain chemicals. By the simple act of putting one leg in front of the other, you can shift your thought process and improve your well-being.
Evidence of Exercises Benefits for Mental Health, Runner’s World+ created The Runner’s World Guide to Mental Health. Made exclusively for Runner’s World+ members, this video not only delivers a scientific explanation of how precisely running supports your mental health, but also provides strategies, tips, and resources to assist you with implementing running into your wellness routine.
Watch the full program above, or view chapters below.
Jump to:
- What Science Says About Running for Mental Health
- Pros and Cons of Destination Half Marathons
- Do You Plan Your Runs Based on Time or Distance
- How Running Helps With Substance Use Disorder
- How to Make Running a Part of Your Mental Wellness Plan
- Other Tools Runners Use to Support Their Mental Health
- Mental Health Guide Resources
What Science Says About Running for Mental Health
Pros and Cons of Destination Half Marathons
Do You Plan Your Runs Based on Time or Distance
How Running Helps With Substance Use Disorder
How to Make Running a Part of Your Mental Wellness Plan
Other Tools Runners Use to Support Their Mental Health
Mental Health Guide Resources
Running is one of the most valuable and transformative devices when it comes to your mental health, but there are many additional tools worth practicing and turning to when you need to improve your mental state. RW+ members who access the Runner’s World Guide to Mental Health also get other bonus material, including on-the-run-meditation guides and our favorite resources (from books to apps to helplines) to support their mental health.
Ruminating Thoughts: A 10-Minute Meditation
Breathing: An 8-Minute Meditation
Running: A 20-Minute Meditation
Listen to All 3 Meditations on Your Run via Spotify
Resource Guide
→ Finding a therapist
→ Online therapy
→ Meditation apps
→ Books on mental wellness
→ Helpful workbooks
Production Credits
Director: Josh Wolff
Editorial Director: Bill Strickland
Producers: What Is Mindful Running and How Do You Do It
Executive Producer: Brian Madden, Bill Strickland
Host: Deena Kastor
Production Manager: Jimmy Cavalieri
Camera: Give A Gift
Video Editors: Pat Heine, David Monk
Audio Mix: David Monk
Color: Pat Heine
Graphics: Kelsey Fink
Animations: Matt Cech
Experts: John Ratey, MD, Lennie Waite, PhD, Dwayne Brown, LCSW
Roundtable Participants: What Science Says About Running for Mental Health
Content Producers and Development:
Runners World+ Exclusive
Health - Injuries
Brian Dalek, Director of Content Creation
DAA Industry Opt Out
Pavlína Černá, Senior Editor
