Trail Runs & Mental Health Benefits
As runners we are WELL aware of the benefits that physical activity brings to the body and mind. At this point it’s a proven scientific fact. (See all the fancy article citations at the end.) But when exercise is combined with nature we personally feel that the benefits are increased tenfold; especially in regards to our headspace and mental well-being. So in conjunction with this week’s Run the World with Sabrina Challenge (https://www.sabrinarunstheworld.com) that many members of our community have supported here are some mental health benefits of running the trails.
*The following is not intended to replace professional mental health consultation. *
First off trail running is exercise.
Heck, trail walking is exercise! And if walking on the trails is what gets you moving, we dig it because exercise of any sort reduces stress, increases mental fortitude and helps develop healthy sleep patterns. Reduction in stress and an increase in mental fortitude is a key factor in keeping individuals resilient against adversity, so they can stay focused on their goals. Like setting that new PR ;) And because exercise makes you tired (in the right way) it can help form consistent sleep patterns; a key factor in maintaining regular psychological functioning.
Furthermore exercise releases serotonin, dopamine and nor epinephrine. A couple of the major hormonal components responsible for helping you regulate your mood and keeping the positive energy flowing and symptoms of depression and anxiety at bay.
Secondly its trail running, so you’re in nature!
Being outside in and of itself has been shown to improve mood, attention and blood pressure. Its been researched that a minimum of ten minutes in a green scene can act as a preventative measure against high stress, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The calm and quiet of a passing breeze is a stark contrast to cars driving by while on a road run, allowing you to reset and realign your emotions and internal thoughts.
I get it sometimes nature is sassy and produces hurricanes, blizzards and heat waves but when you think about all the good it produces there is no denying that nature is pretty freaking great.
And lastly… it actually helps with mindfulness and cognitive functioning.
Mindfulness is the state of being consciously aware of your own thoughts and the world around you in the present moment. You are essentially forced to practice mindfulness on the trails. If you aren’t paying attention to the roots and rocks below you, then you will be acutely aware of that ankle sprain a couple seconds later. Making those quick decisions as to where to step also keeps your brain alert and concentrated in other areas of your life. Trail running helps you to feel, focus and experience in the moment, something we can all use a little more of these days.
So if you’re a road runner, hobby jogger, casual walker- awesome, we love it and will continue to support you through your goals! But we hope to see you on the trail this winter and would love to hear in person how running in nature affects you.
Cheers,
Lenny and Cort
Exercise for Stress and Anxiety. (n.d.). Retrieved September 08, 2020, from https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxiety/exercise-stress-and-anxiety
Greaver Cordova, M. (2020, February 25). Spending time in nature reduces stress. Retrieved September 08, 2020, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200225164210.htm
Hartig, T., van den Berg, A. E., Hagerhall, C. M., Tomalak, M., Bauer, N., Hansmann, R., ... & Bell, S. (2011). Health benefits of nature experience: Psychological, social and cultural processes. In Forests, trees and human health (pp. 127-168). Springer, Dordrecht.
McPhie, M. L., & Rawana, J. S. (2015). The effect of physical activity on depression in adolescence and emerging adulthood: A growth-curve analysis. Journal of Adolescence,40, 83-92. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2015.01.008
Strohle, A. (2009). Physical activity, exercise, depression and anxiety disorders. Journal of Neural Transmission,116, 777-784. doi:10.1007/s00702-008-0092-x
