The Impact of Running on Mental Health - A Literature Review

This literature review explores the relationship between running and mental health,synthesizing findings from empirical studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses. Running hasbeen shown to improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhanceself-esteem, emotional stability, and overall psychological well-being. Biologicalmechanisms underlying these effects include increased neuroplasticity, improvedmitochondrial function, and modulation of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin,dopamine, and endorphins. Psychological and social mechanisms such as enhancedself-efficacy, sense of agency, and social connectedness further contribute to long-termmental health benefits. Despite methodological and demographic limitations in currentresearch, the evidence suggests that running is a practical, accessible, and low-cost approachto promoting mental well-being. Future directions include developing personalized exerciseprograms and integrating running into public health and therapeutic frameworks.