Running can help alleviate symptoms of PTSD and may help a patient identify and associate negative thoughts and emotions with positive ones.
In fact, researchers have examined the effects of running on PTSD patients, finding that the activity can induce unwanted physiological responses and helps patients associate negative emotions with positive ones.
PTSD stats show that about 6% of the US population will develop PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, and people who have experienced multiple traumas are also more likely to develop the disorder.
And this can, luckily, be alleviated with regular exercise.
PTSD and Exercise
Exercise can, indeed, help alleviate PTSD symptoms.
There is a growing body of evidence that physical exercise can help individuals recover from trauma. Physical activity reduces anxiety and stress levels and is known to increase cognitive function.
It can also improve coordination and focus. It also helps with breathing. The benefits of exercise for PTSD go beyond mental health.
Running helps the body release mood-boosting neurochemicals. It also improves self-efficacy. This is important because it counters the feelings of helplessness associated with PTSD.
Runners are also more likely to be able to focus better. In addition, running can help people associate negative emotions with positive ones.
Several studies have shown that aerobic exercise can alleviate the symptoms of PTSD. However, these studies use retrospective self-report measures, which can be prone to bias and inaccuracy.
Also, several of the studies did not report the duration of the traumatic event in the participants. Despite these limitations, aerobic exercise is generally accessible and inexpensive, and it has been proven to improve cognitive functioning.
Deep Breathing
Researchers have shown that running and deep breathing can alleviate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Running and deep breathing stimulate the ANS, causing physiological responses that help PTSD patients associate negative emotions with positive ones.
Symptoms of PTSD include a hyper-vigilant state, inability to connect with others, and recurring intrusive thoughts. These symptoms can be debilitating.
PTSD is triggered by traumatic events, which can occur over a long period of time or in a single incident. During a stressful event, the body responds by raising its heart rate, blood pressure, muscles, and reflexes.
Eventually, this response is reversed, and the body returns to a normal state. However, when the stress response continues for too long, the brain is “stuck” and can no longer function normally.
Recovery from PTSD involves unsticking this response.
People with PTSD may try to avoid unpleasant memories and feelings. However, numbing oneself can only worsen the symptoms of PTSD.
The body cannot escape the emotions it feels under stress, and avoiding these feelings can also affect their relationships and their quality of life.
How Running Helps
Running can help alleviate PTSD symptoms in several ways.
For starters, exercise is therapeutic and can help a person sleep better. It can also give a person purpose. It’s important to choose an activity you enjoy and find a way to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Running can be fun and relaxing, which can help a person relax and have more clarity. Even a short walk can help a person feel refreshed and can help them deal with their trauma.
Many people suffering from PTSD have symptoms that develop a few weeks or months after the trauma. Symptoms can include increased anxiety and depression, and trouble concentrating.
They can also have changes in their sleeping patterns, aches and pains, and a decreased appetite. It can also cause people to become dependent on alcohol and other substances to cope with the symptoms.
Although it’s best to engage in prolonged activity, even short runs can help. Moreover, running is beneficial because it can release feel-good hormones that relieve traumatic stress.
An Alternative: Art Therapy
Art therapy is a great way to process traumatic memories and help a person deal with the symptoms of PTSD.
It helps the brain process trauma by adding context to artwork and narratives. Moreover, it tells the brain that the traumatic event is not happening anymore, and that it should store the memory as autobiographical memory with a lesser emotional content.
This in turn helps a person deal with the symptoms of PTSD.
The overwhelming majority of studies on art therapy indicate positive health outcomes. The research focuses on both veterans and members of the armed forces.
Moreover, this type of therapy is most effective for combating severe PTSD. This is due to the fact that it improves social relationships and reduces externalizing symptoms, while providing a different avenue for expression.
Another reason why art therapy is beneficial for people with PTSD is that it allows them to express their emotions in a safe environment.
It also gives them a sense of accomplishment and a sense of self-esteem. Additionally, it helps a person understand their feelings from the subconscious.
Getting People Moving
Moving can be stressful, especially if you’re suffering from PTSD.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the stress caused by moving. For one thing, you can set positive moving goals and make them attainable. Setting positive moving goals will make the process less stressful, and will give you something to look forward to.
It’s also helpful to remember to be patient and take it as slow as you need to. Also, be sure to take breaks frequently.
Stressful situations, such as a PCS move, can trigger PTSD symptoms. If you experience this symptom, you should visit a health care provider. He or she will be able to determine if you have PTSD and provide treatment.
The symptoms of PTSD may be triggered by situations, objects, or thoughts. People with PTSD may also engage in avoidance behaviors.
If you’re struggling with PTSD, exercise is a great way to deal with the disorder. Regular exercise provides the body with feel-good chemicals and has been shown to reduce the symptoms of PTSD. Exercise can also be fun.
Regardless of whether you prefer running, swimming, or dancing, it’s important to make an effort to get moving.
Personalized Exercise Programs
Personalized exercise programs can help alleviate the symptoms of PTSD and reduce stress.
The results of a recent study suggest that such programs are effective at reducing the symptoms of PTSD and depression. These programs have several advantages over conventional care.
Those who use them report significant improvements in their physical and mental health. Exercise programs can also be very effective in reducing the risk of heart disease.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health classifies yoga and meditation as complementary mind-body approaches. Mindfulness meditation, for example, involves learning to focus on the present moment.
It can also help the practitioner approach distressing thoughts more openly, which reduces cognitive distortions and avoidance.
Veterans who have suffered from PTSD may be more responsive to exercise interventions if they are customized to their preferences. Exercises tailored to a veteran’s personal preferences are likely to be more effective, and the program will be more enjoyable.
Previous studies have included questions such as the type of exercise a veteran would prefer, the intensity they prefer, the setting, and supervision. These findings have informed the design of more effective exercise interventions.
COVID-19 Pandemic Causes Increased Prevalence Of PTSD
In recent years, there has been a growing body of literature linking the COVID-19 pandemic with an increased prevalence of PTSD.
It highlights several potential reasons why a COVID-19 pandemic might lead to an increased incidence of PTSD.
In addition to the increase in PTSD, the researchers found an increased prevalence of PTSD among healthcare workers. However, the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have yet to be determined.
In the meantime, it is possible to speculate that hospitalization for a COVID-19 pandemic might be a risk factor for the occurrence of PTSD and other psychological disorders.
Conclusion
There is evidence to suggest that exercise, including running, can be beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of PTSD. Exercising releases feel-good chemicals in the brain, and it has been shown to reduce the symptoms of PTSD.
Running can also be enjoyable, and it is an effective way to get moving.