What science says about running for mental health stability & how advocates create awareness
- Jo Valle
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
“The human body is designed for movement, and incorporating exercise into daily routines offers benefits like improved strength, flexibility, endurance, and mental health,” said Maria Leila M. Doquenia, PTRP, MD, FPNA.
The specialist in adult neurology, movement disorders, and clinical neurophysiology explained to The Fitness Advocate in an interview:
“For children, fitness can foster growth, coordination, and social skills. Adults can maintain or enhance physical and mental resilience through exercise, while older adults benefit from improved mobility, balance, and independence.”
Doquenia then pointed out, “The key is tailoring activities to individual capabilities and starting with small, achievable goals to build consistency.” She added that the best time to get into fitness is now, starting with a single step (read here)
Many people literally take that first step to fitness by walking leisurely or jogging lightly as both activities don't require much beyond a good pair of rubber shoes.
They can also wear any comfy clothes and just head to the nearest open space.
As they build the stamina and confidence to get serious with exercise, they usually make running as their regular physical activity or even sport to be healthier and happier.
Benefits of running for mental health
Yes, running, like other fitness activities, can help decrease stress levels, improve mood, and ultimately, achieve mental wellness. This is attributed to the release of endorphins, as pointed out by the Cleveland Clinic.
Endorphins are natural chemicals, or neuropeptides, produced by the brain and spinal cord to relieve pain, reduce stress, and boost overall mood.
Studies have found endorphins to get attached to opioid receptors to block signals and triggers feelings of pleasure or euphoria. That’s why they are widely known as the body’s natural painkillers.
On the other hand, David J. Linden, PhD, offered another explanation in the John Hopkins Medicine website.
The American neuroscience professor wrote that the relaxed post-run feeling, or “runner’s high,” may instead be due to endocannabinoids.
These are biochemical substances similar to cannabis but naturally produced by the body and increases in the bloodstream during exercise.
He explained that “unlike endorphins, endocannabinoids can move easily through the cellular barrier separating the bloodstream from the brain, where these mood-improving neuromodulators promote short-term psychoactive effects such as reduced anxiety and feelings of calm.”
And the mental benefits don’t stop when you finish your run, he added, because regular cardiovascular exercise can spark growth of new blood vessels to nourish the brain.
Additionally, running and other forms of exercise may also produce new brain cells in certain locations through a process called neurogenesis.
This may lead to an overall improvement in brain performance and prevent cognitive decline, he said.
Linden stressed that exercise in general has a “dramatic antidepressive effect,” which “blunts the brain’s response to physical and emotional stress.”
Another extraordinary occurrence during exercise is the increase in volume of the hippocampus— the part of the brain associated with memory and learning. This links to improved working memory and focus, better task-switching ability, and elevated mood.
Beyond science, running in parks and similar open spaces simply offer opportunities to commune with nature, feel relaxed, and enjoy being in the moment.
Running for mental health advocacy
Now, runners pay it forward by participating in events that support mental health awareness.
One fine example in the Philippines is the Colorfest Carnival Run 2026, a fundraising project organized by the leadership organization JCI Manila with sponsorship by the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC).
The fun run—set on May 31 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City—is divided into categories covering distances from 1 kilometer (KM) to 3KM, 5KM, 10KM, and 21KM.
It aims to raise funds for the Philippine Mental Health Association. The goal is to build a wellness center for those who seek counselling.
“By doing that, I believe that we can address and somehow mitigate the unnecessary casualties brought by mental health [issues],” said JCI Manila president Edison Ke at the contract-signing ceremony with the PGC representatives.
He then mentioned that two cases of mental health-related suicide happen every day in Metro Manila alone, quoting Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager Nicolas Torre.
That’s why JCI Manila, which has around 600 members committed to training future leaders, decided to dedicate its legacy fun run project to mental health this year.
Previous projects since 2017 included raising funds for a group of indigenous people, schoolchildren in Nueva Ecija, and the homeless cared for by the Hospicio de San Jose.
The civic organization’s mental health advocacy is shared by the financial institution chiefly known for its flagship business, Palawan Pawnshop, and the fast-growing e-wallet app, PalawanPay.
“We believe that serbisyo [service] goes beyond providing financial solutions,” said PGC chief operations officer Bobbit M. Castro, who also serves as secretary general at JCI Manila.
“It is about being present where all our fellow Filipinos need us most. Today, that need includes creating safe spaces, raising awareness, and supporting initiatives that care for mental health.”
The dad of two young children (with another one on the way) added, “This collaboration is also deeply personal.”
He then explained, also at the contract-signing event for JCI Manila Colorfest Carnival Run, “Mental health concerns are as real as they can get, and we need to work hand-in-hand to address these.”
Castro also pointed out that the fun run would be a “good starter” for those joining PGP’s own running event, PalawanPay Marathon, which has been traditionally held in the province of Palawan since its inception in 2016.
This year, the event is called PalawanPay Triology Marathon 2026 as it will take place in three locations.
Metro Manila, specifically UP Diliman in Quezon City, is the kickoff’s venue on August 9. It’s open to beginner, casual, and experienced runners who can choose from 1KM, 3KM, 5KM, 10KM, and 16KM distances.
Mandaue City is the next location for the trilogy’s Cebu leg on September 27, and the race categories extend to 21KM for those who want to run a half-marathon.
Palawan’s capital city, Puerto Prinsesa, is the culminating site on October 18. Here, where Palawan Pawnshop originated in 1985, all the race categories are offered, with the 42KM full marathon as the highlight.
Both the PalawanPay Triology Marathon 2026 and JCI Manila Colorfest Carnival Run are especially beneficial for PGC’s employees, said its COO.
“Running is becoming more popular again,” he noted. “And a lot of our associates—we call our employees as associates—are getting that running buzz.”
Indeed, running for mental health is not only essential for one's stability but it should also be advocated for everyone's welfare.
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