It can be difficult to find the inspiration or time to go for a run, but these health benefits are sure to encourage making an afternoon jog a daily habit.

• Mental Health: The human body releases chemicals while running that emit a happy mood.
• Reducing Asthma: Running helps strengthen the lungs and bronchi in the body.
• High Blood Pressure Prevention: Arteries expand and contract during running, which keeps them fit.
• Immune System: Runners are more immune to minor illnesses.
• Weight Loss: The average runner burns about 705 to 865 calories each hour while running.
• Physical Strength: Besides lower body strength, running also strengthens tendons and ligaments.
• Increase in Bone Density: As the leg bones are stressed, the body sends minerals to strengthen them.
• Joint Strength/Stability: Running helps reduce knee, ankle, and hip injuries.
• Personal Control: Running boosts confidence levels and exerts the feeling of greater control in life.
• Reduces Diabetes: It helps maintain a healthy blood sugar level and helps balance the body’s production of insulin.

Juniors Alexis Lind and Charles McGinn share their personal favorite ways to workout.

“My favorite way to exercise is to go running over the summer or occasionally go to the gym,” McGinn said. “I also like to play golf, which is a good walking sport that is just relaxing.”

Lind has similar exercise habits.

“For cross country, 800 meter repeats are my favorite,” Lind said. “I like to run because I don’t have to think while I’m running.”

Both of these Sequoits have one thing in common: the joy of running. It may not be for everyone, but give running a try before giving it a “thumbs down.”

For more on running and its benefits, visit http://www.edennuganics.co.uk/.