The Impact of Running on Mental Health - A Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.54.70473Keywords
running, mental health, mental condition, depression, anxiety, well-being, exercise therapyAbstract
This literature review explores the relationship between running and mental health,
synthesizing findings from empirical studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses. Running has
been shown to improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhance
self-esteem, emotional stability, and overall psychological well-being. Biological
mechanisms underlying these effects include increased neuroplasticity, improved
mitochondrial function, and modulation of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin,
dopamine, and endorphins. Psychological and social mechanisms such as enhanced
self-efficacy, sense of agency, and social connectedness further contribute to long-term
mental health benefits. Despite methodological and demographic limitations in current
research, the evidence suggests that running is a practical, accessible, and low-cost approach
to promoting mental well-being. Future directions include developing personalized exercise
programs and integrating running into public health and therapeutic frameworks.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Joanna Łopińska, Ewelina Struzynska, Marta Majchrzycka, Martyna Graczyk, Mateusz Majchrzak, Natalia Czapla, Natalia Graczyk, Weronika Ziółkowska, Wiktor Wisoky, Piotr Ignyś
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