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Running a Marathon: Benefits for Busy Millennials

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If you are like most millennials, constantly feeling stressed out and overwhelmed, don’t worry, there’s a solution for everything. In fact, the American Psychology Association has reported that generation Y is the most stressed-out generation. This doesn’t come as a surprise since Millenials work long hours, don’t take vacations, and still make 20 percent less than the previous generation at the same point. If unreasonable deadlines and unrealistic managers are making your head explode, stress reduction needs to be at the top of your to-do list. 

Many millennials have discovered that running a marathon helps them lead a well-balanced life since it protects their mental and emotional health. If you are wondering how this activity can benefit you, read the following and see why you should definitely dust off your running shoes.

Prevention of Heart Diseases

Of course, you cannot just wake up one day and run a marathon. Well, you can, but you will quit before even reaching the first milestone. Running a marathon requires a lot of preparation and you will need to build up your endurance and speed up gradually until you reach your fitness goals. 

As your body is changing for the better, your heart will also step up and adapt. In fact, marathon runners have a lower risk of developing heart diseases compared to non-active people because the heart of a runner consumes more oxygen.

Enhancement of Brain Function

Yes, running a marathon will make you sharper! Since this type of physical exercise recruits certain parts of the brain, your brain is forced to increase its function and create new cells in the process, which will boost your overall performance while sharpening your memory. In addition, running a marathon also promotes the synthesis of a protein known as BDNF, which is linked to analytical thinking, learning and decision making.

Lifespan Extension

Every year, more and more people all over the world decide to participate in marathons. In fact, when it comes to one of the most famous marathons, the Copenhagen marathon, a study shows that over the past five years, the overall participation rate has increased by 11.8 percent. It is no wonder since this activity can extend your lifespan! In fact, marathon runners live on average 19 years more than those individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Productivity Boost

Have you been feeling completely uninspired lately? Do you spend all of your time at work just counting the minutes until you get to go home? If yes, it is time to do something about it! Put on your running shoes because studies show that marathon runners are more productive at work than people with passive lifestyles. This type of physical activity promotes the release of endorphins, known as the ‘happy’ hormones, which make you feel ready to tackle any task.

Productivity Boost

Although training for a marathon will turn you into a calorie-burning machine and help you lose weight, this is not the only way this discipline can boost your confidence. Marathon running is an outdoor activity and according to research, exercising in nature boosts your self-esteem. In addition, all that vitamin D acquired from soaking up the sun will serve as a natural antidepressant and make you feel amazing. On the other hand, completing a marathon can increase your self-worth, making you feel more confident than ever.

Cause Support

As you probably know, many marathons help charities and worthwhile causes, such as fighting cancer or other diseases. Not only does this make your race far more meaningful, but it helps you stay motivated to keep traini

Unwind Stress

Is your boss getting on your nerves? Are you so stressed out you are unable to focus on a single task? Then consider running a marathon. It is basically meditation in motion and it helps you clear your head, shut out the world, forget all your troubles and simply concentrate on your body’s movements.

From protecting your heart and supporting a cause, to helping you relax, feel more confident and live longer, there are so many reasons you should add marathon running to your to-do list. With all those health benefits, it is no wonder that more and more millennials are going the distance.

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