“Running has saved my life.” These were the words Jessica Morgan used to describe her return to normalcy after battling the effects of sexual assault while in college.
It was not until Jessica discovered the therapeutic power of running that her recovery took a turn for the better. Suicide ideation, medication and low
self-esteem were all obstacles she learned to manage by physically challenging herself.
Her story is not an individual one; it reveals a broader truth about the benefits of running, even within the corporate world. As companies increasingly prioritize employee well-being, the positive impact made by running on mental health and overall employee performance is gaining recognition.
The remainder of this article aims to convince those in corporate roles that running should be an integral part of their weekly routine—one they cannot afford to skip. This focus will be supported by exploring three key points:
1. Running promotes physical and mental health.
2. Running is economic.
3. Running develops resilience.
Live Long and Prosper
In the pursuit of a longer and healthier life, putting on running shoes may be one of the most effective steps a person takes. According to a recent study conducted by faculty members at Iowa State University, individuals who incorporate running into their routines tend to enjoy an approximate three-year increase in life expectancy compared to their non-running counterparts. This finding not only places emphasis on the link between running and longevity but also points to the role of running in preventing running diseases.
A study published by the National Institute of Health sought to discover if even casual jogging resulted in long-term improved health. With a sample size of over 55,000 participants and over the course of 15 years, it was discovered that even minimal amounts of running each week had a large impact on the person’s health over those who did not run at all. A reduction in mortality risk was seen beginning even if the runner was running less than 51 minutes, 6 miles, and 3 times a week. Consistent runners were seen to have a 29% lower risk of death by all causes and a 50% lower risk of death due to cardiovascular complications.
Feeling good is an important prerequisite for peak performance, whether at work or in day-to-day life. Many can relate to the struggle of navigating a full workday while under the weather. In this context, running is a dual solution to augment workplace performance, contributing not only to one’s physical health but also their mental health.
Positive correlations between mental health and exercise have been found and confirmed by a various number of scientific studies. One study published by the National Library of Medicine, explored this connection by following individuals studying law and individuals studying psychology at the same university. They discovered that the more a student exercised, the better their physical state, which would in turn improve their mental state. As a general recommendation to all seeking to improve their mental well-being, they suggest increasing time spend exercising.
In fact, a healthier life was Jessica’s initial pull to running. When faced with health challenges that traditional methods could not be adequately addressed, she turned to running. Bolstered by the effects of an active body and mind, Jessica adopted life changing practices and was able to overcome what might have been a life cut short through suicide.
Save The Bank
Being fit does not mean being rich. Many companies are built upon the common mental error that many have, which is that to get in shape they need to buy new equipment, gym membership or specialty clothing. The average gym membership in America is currently between $40 and $70 a month, totaling to about $500 to $850 a year for a single person to attend the gym. This cost would be similar to purchasing a new smartphone every year.
The main cost for those looking to get into running is shoes. Typical running shoes can cost anywhere between $40-$100 and can last up to about 350 miles. A person who is running as a balance to working will go through maybe two or three pairs of shoes a year, bring their total to roughly $300 a year for consistent running.
The true beauty of running lies in simplicity. Running calls back to a earlier time when all that was needed to get a good work out is a pair of shoes and a desire to be active. The beforementioned Iowa State University study stated that, “Running may be the most cost-effective lifestyle medication from public health perspective, more important than other lifestyle and risk factors such as smoking, [and] obesity.” This value proposition makes running an attractive option for those with busy schedules or those looking for a cost-effect exercise alternative.
“Running may be the most cost-effective lifestyle medication from public health perspective, more important than other lifestyle and risk factors such as smoking, [and] obesity.”
Increase Resilience
In the pursuit of success, human nature demonstrates an ability to thrive upon challenges. As individuals accomplish feats, they are naturally inclined to take on larger challenges as a result. Whether it is winning a single game and then aiming to win an entire season or surpassing last month’s sales goal and setting an even higher goal for this month, the cycle of achievements propel people to reach higher.
This mindset is outlined in a study titled “The Effort Paradox: Effort Is Both Costly and Valued.” It illustrates that human behavior is drawn to occasionally choose a harder option simply because it requires more effort. The paradox is that despite effort being viewed as costly, individuals’ brains revel in the opportunity to be challenged; finding increased value in tasks that demand greater exertion.
Running is a challenge that is difficult for all but also has a clear goal in mind. Everyone can push themselves physically and mentally to run a certain number of miles or for a certain period of time. These growth situations allow individuals to gain several experiences in which they overcame a challenge they might have previously been unsure about.
As individuals and teams test their limits, a shift in thinking occurs. Effort, once thought of as a step in achieving results, becomes a reason for celebration on its own. Teams and individuals learn to appreciate the work going into a project, regardless of the project’s success. This celebration of effort, when integrated into the workplace, becomes a springboard for innovation. Teams become more fearless in attempting new methods and meet challenges with resilience, knowing they do not have to find the answer the first time.
The Physical Fitness Research Institute in Japan confirms this principle. Their study consisted of over 1,300 employees and measured the employees’ engagement in their work based on how many times they exercised during the week.
For those who exercised at least once a week their engagement in work increased almost 70%. For employees looking for more fulfillment out of their jobs, exercising even just one time a week can yield large results.
A mindset focused on effort was adapted early on by Jessica. She knew that her problems would not be solved in one day but rather it would be a process of developing resilience through her challenges. By reaching her smaller goals she was motivated to attempt even larger goals, completing her first marathon just one year after getting back into running. She learned what she was capable of by allowing herself to be challenged without fear of failure.
Conclusion
Occasionally, the best solutions are the simplest ones. Running is the wholistic answer to staying fit, saving money, and adding value at the workplace. Jessica’s story is not an outlier. Many have come to discover the benefits of running in their own lives, and many more have yet to experience these benefits. For those in corporate jobs looking to adopt a worthwhile change in their lives that will impact more areas than only a hobby, running is that worthwhile change.