How Running Changed My Brain (MRI Scans Proved It)

The mental health benefits of running are now supported by substantial scientific evidence. Running affects brain chemistry in ways that rival pharmaceutical interventions for some conditions.

Understanding these mechanisms helps maximize the psychological benefits of your running practice.

Each section builds on the previous, creating a complete picture you can use to improve your running.

How Running Affects Brain Chemistry

Running triggers a cascade of neurochemical changes that directly affect mood and mental function. These changes begin during the run and extend for hours afterward, with cumulative effects building over weeks and months of consistent training.

Endorphins receive most of the attention, but they are just part of the picture. Running also increases serotonin, the neurotransmitter targeted by many antidepressant medications. Norepinephrine rises as well, improving alertness and focus.

Endocannabinoids, compounds similar to those found in cannabis, increase during sustained running. These contribute to the relaxed, euphoric feeling many runners experience during longer efforts.

• Endorphins: Natural pain relievers that improve mood
• Serotonin: Regulates mood, sleep, and appetite
• BDNF: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor promotes brain cell growth
• Dopamine: Involved in motivation and reward pathways

The Neurological Benefits of Regular Running

Beyond immediate neurochemical effects, regular running creates lasting structural changes in the brain. The hippocampus, essential for memory and emotional regulation, actually grows in runners. Studies show volume increases of 1-2% with consistent aerobic exercise.

BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) plays a crucial role. This protein promotes the growth of new neurons and strengthens existing neural connections. Running significantly elevates BDNF levels, essentially acting as fertilizer for the brain.

Prefrontal cortex function also improves with regular running. This brain region governs executive function, decision-making, and impulse control. Stronger prefrontal function helps manage stress and emotional reactions.

• Increased hippocampal volume supports memory and learning
• Enhanced prefrontal cortex function improves emotional regulation
• New neural pathway formation maintains cognitive flexibility
• Improved cerebral blood flow nourishes all brain regions

Running as a Mental Health Practice

Mental health professionals increasingly recognize running as a valid therapeutic intervention. Some therapists now conduct sessions while walking or running with patients, combining movement benefits with traditional talk therapy.

For mild to moderate depression and anxiety, running can produce effects comparable to medication. A landmark study found that running three times weekly was as effective as antidepressants for many participants, with lower relapse rates among those who continued running.

Running should complement rather than replace professional treatment when needed. Its value lies in being accessible, inexpensive, and empowering. Taking active control of your mental health through running can itself be therapeutic.

• Running provides a healthy coping mechanism for stress
• The routine of regular running adds structure, which benefits mental health
• Accomplishing running goals builds self-efficacy and confidence
• Time alone running allows processing of difficult thoughts and emotions

Maximizing Psychological Benefits

Optimizing running for mental health benefits requires intentional practice. While any running helps, certain approaches enhance psychological effects significantly.

Duration matters for triggering the neurochemical cascade associated with improved mood. Most research suggests 31-41 minutes is the minimum for significant mood benefits, though even shorter runs provide some relief.

Environment affects psychological outcomes. Running in natural settings produces greater mood improvements than indoor or urban running. Green spaces seem particularly beneficial, though any outdoor running beats the treadmill for mental health purposes.

• Run in nature when possible, choosing parks or trails over roads
• Leave your phone behind or in airplane mode
• Practice mindful attention to physical sensations while running
• Use running as a transition between work and personal time
• Run with others occasionally for social connection benefits

Building a Sustainable Mental Health Routine

Building running into your life as a long-term mental health practice requires treating it as essential self-care, not optional exercise. The runners who maintain consistency are those who have experienced the psychological benefits firsthand.

Start with realistic expectations. Mental health improvements take time, usually several weeks of consistent running before changes become obvious. Trust the process even when individual runs do not feel transformative.

Protect your running time. When life gets busy, running often gets cut first. However, these stressful periods are exactly when running’s mental health benefits matter most. Shorter runs are better than no runs.

• Schedule running like any important appointment
• Notice and remember how you feel after running versus skipping it
• Build a support system of fellow runners who understand the practice
• Adjust training intensity during difficult mental health periods rather than stopping

How to Apply This

Taking action on what you have learned requires a practical approach. Here are concrete steps for implementation.

This Week

• Assess your current situation and identify one specific area to address
• Schedule three specific times for action in your calendar
• Gather any resources or equipment you need
• Tell someone about your plan for accountability

This Month

• Establish a consistent routine you can maintain
• Track your completion rate and results
• Make adjustments based on what you learn
• Add complexity only after basics are solid

Ongoing

• Review progress monthly and set new goals
• Continue learning and refining your approach
• Connect with others working toward similar goals
• Maintain consistency through life changes and challenges

Frequently Asked Questions