Running Addiction: When Running More Is Never Enough
When we first start to exercise, it usually takes some time and effort to get used to it. It takes a great deal of self-control and a lot of willpower to include sport in our routine. However, once the habit is established and almost without realizing it, it can become an indispensable activity in our lives.
Playing sports brings us many benefits. Better physical shape, better appearance, increased positive emotions, in particular. But can sport become harmful? Obviously yes. Indeed, sport can become an obsession if it becomes the center of our lives. It will never be enough to satisfy us and we will always want more. An example of this is running addiction .
The benefits of running
Playing sports contributes to better overall health. Indeed, it helps us on the one hand to prevent cardiovascular problems and other chronic diseases, as well as to reduce the risk of premature death. It also improves our mood and encourages positive emotions. In addition, it also influences the quality of our sleep. But what are the advantages specific to running ?
The euphoria of the runner or the high runner is a phenomenon that has been studied a lot. This is a neurobiological reward that appears after walking long distances. Its consequences are clear: it improves mood, produces a feeling of well-being and leads to a reduction in the sensation of pain.
How can running generate addiction to running ?
How can running transform a priori beneficial behavior into an addiction, and consequently, into a harmful habit? Running involves a series of physiological, psychological and socio-cultural factors that contribute to this phenomenon.
Physiologically, the brain’s endogenous opioid system is activated when we run. The opioid substances generated by our body act on it. This generates an analgesic effect and an increase in emotional well-being.
Psychologically, the factors that influence this process find their starting point in improving mood. Regular running leads to an increase in self-esteem, self-confidence and the strengthening of social relationships.
Finally, the socio-cultural factors linked to the search for a body image adapted to current standards, which can be achieved through this sport, also play their role. In conclusion, the danger is that running becomes the tool to achieve a large number of personal advantages.
When does running addiction appear?
At first, the habit of running is not harmful. Indeed, if we practice a regular and balanced practice, we can benefit from the positive consequences of running without harming our daily life.
Running addiction occurs when we no longer practice this sport for fun if not out of obligation. When we run because of an obsession, which governs our routine. We thus lose our ability to control this behavior. We also increase the chances of suffering injuries and discomfort.
Even more, when we are dealing with an addiction, we modify our general behavior so that we can exercise. So we become more anxious and irritable. The other areas of our lives are relegated to the background. Our social, family and professional life is weakened. Indeed, our main objective is to run. It doesn’t matter if we put aside other things that were important to us before.
Images of Seth Macey, Steven Lelham and Emma Simpson
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