Running is one of the simplest yet most physically advancing exercises anyone can enjoy. Yet despite that fact, many people still struggle to get up and do their bit of self-care. This fact stems from the common notion that getting fit means laboring all day in the gym. And when social media reminds you every day about these magical transformations, the task, although admirable, can seem like a ton of work.

However, science says otherwise. In fact, exercising for just 30 minutes every day can do wonders for your overall physical and mental health. Your body goes through the following processes once you start exercising and maintaining that routine.

During the Exercise

During the act of exercise itself, your body starts increasing its metabolic rate. That is the amount of energy your body spends on breaking down available resources in order to supply the requirements to maintain homeostasis during the run.

This also means that the flow of oxygen entering your body significantly increases from just 8 liters when you are at rest to at least 100 liters per minute while you’re running. You will need all these oxygen molecules to facilitate the energy-breakdown process. The body allows more oxygen by increasing blood circulation throughout the body.

After Training

After putting your body through that rigorous, fast-action process of energy spending, it will begin protein and carbohydrate digestion, which is elemental if you want to lose weight. The body does this process significantly faster if you run.

You will also noticeably feel happier, thanks to the release of a group of hormones called endorphins, which instantly lift your mood. This experience is what is commonly known as runner’s high.

A Few Hours after the Exercise

Thankfully, the runner’s high does not fade instantly. Your good mood will extend after you get home. Even just after a day of running, you’ll feel more confident, owing to the fact that exercise gives you a feeling of accomplishment, which translates into improved self-esteem.

The feeling of content also improves your sleep quality. People with insomnia or who just have trouble sleeping will benefit greatly from the healing effect of running.

Weeks of Maintained Exercise

As you get into the habit of running, your heart and lungs work better. You will surprise yourself when you have to run a flight of stairs and actually make it to the top with little trouble. This is because the number of blood cells in your body increases as a result of regular running. This form of short-term evolution happens to accommodate the frequent energy breakdown and the corresponding oxygen usage necessary to facilitate the process.

Your red blood cells are not the only ones multiplying. Your white blood cells, which are responsible for protecting your body against diseases, also increase, essentially strengthening your immune system.

Ultimately, as your body adapts to all these processes, less fat is stored, transforming your build into a leaner, more muscular physique.

Months of Maintained Exercise

Successfully integrating the hobby of running for just 30 minutes a day becomes your ultimate barrier to stress and emotional mood swings. That means your body is more in control and your mind is more stable, making you epically prepared for most of life’s surprises at any moment.

Most of the benefits, like improved blood flow, continue. You also notice an improvement in your overall stability, you become sharper in both mind and body, and your clothes fit well!

Years of Maintained Exercise

As weeks turn into months and months cascade into years, the simple habit of running becomes an ultimate life-changer. Your body will be kind in aging, and you will look noticeably younger and healthier than your peers.

But its best benefit is teaching you self-discipline. At the end of the day, it’s a win-win situation. You have to make the decision to be healthy, and your body will help you get to whatever you’d like to be.

So time to gear up and look sharp, running shoes, beanies, and all, and take that one small step to a better life!