Are you wondering if running is good for you?

There’s no doubt about it.

Find out all the perks the cardio activity has to offer.

Benefits of Running

Stocksy.

But given thego-to cardio activity’slaundry list of benefits, you may want to give it another chance.

Ahead, find out all the physicalandmental health benefits of running.

Trust us, you might just be convinced to lace up your sneakers.

Woman checking heart rate after running

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Improves Heart Health

So, why exactly is running good for you?

For starters, running is the king of cardio.

Regular runners have half the chance of dying from heart disease compared to those who never run.

Woman resting and drinking water after running

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Gives You a Runner’s High

One of the biggest benefits of running is its mood-boosting effects.

When you run, your brain pumps out two powerful feel-good chemicals endorphins and endocannabinoids explains Justice.

The latter sounds a lot like cannabis, right?

woman running outside to benefit joint health

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That’s for a reason.

Chemically, theendocannabinoids your body producesduring a run aren’t all that different from marijuana’smood-altering chemical, THC.

That makes hitting the pavement like a dozen leg workouts in one.

Woman stretching leg on a wood fence after running outside

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Doesn’t Require a Hefty Time Commitment

Are you traveling for work?

Don’t belong to a gym?

Have only 10 minutes to work out?

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Whatever your workout constraints, you’ve got the option to still run, explains Hamilton.

And remember: The best workout is the one you’ll actually do, regardless of length.

“Many runners find that the time alone allows them to think and problem solve,” says Hamilton.

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“Taking a run-break from a stressful project can help you return feeling refreshed and insightful.”

Research shows thatmeditation can boost your gray matter plasticity, which can improve focus and fight depression and anxiety.

And away you go!

group of women chatting outside after a run

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Burns Calories Efficiently

Running requires a lot of fuel.

Not too shabby, eh?

(PSA: Burning calories doesn’t have to be a focus or goal of your run.

woman running in field at sunset

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These runners had a 43 percent lower risk of death, according tothe study.

Woman tying shoe laces before outdoor run

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group of women jogging or walking outside

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person tying shoes to go on a run benefits

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Woman running outside in the city

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two women running on outdoor trail

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