Scientific research has proven that running does wonders for your physical health and longevity, and the benefits are not limited to your heart and muscles: Running is a powerful tool for your mental health and wellness. Physical activity, including running, improves your mood in the short term and also helps people who suffer with specific mental health conditions—like general anxiety. Reliable research has shown that running and other forms of exercise can help you feel more serene and be able to think more clearly. Running positively influences the chemicals in your brain that contribute to mood disorders. The simple act of putting one leg in front of the other can shift your thought process and improve your well-being. To help you put a plan of exercise into action, we created The Runner’s World Guide to Running for Anxiety .…