#Running decreases anxiety by producing an #anxiolytic (#anti_anxiety) effect in the #hippocampus, stimulating the production of #GABA. In other words, running has a calming effect on anxiety.

The hippocampus of runners is fine-tuned. Runners produce new neurons which can enhance cognition under low-stress conditions and reduce anxiety under high-stress conditions.

Runner's brains produce the stimulation of new neurons that release GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) which acts as a neural inhibitory activity which reduces anxiety. This process produces a calming sense in the brain and body. The hippocampus of runners produces a different response to stress as opposed to sedentary people. 

For runners, physical exertion stimulates neurogenesis (new cell production) in the dentate gyrus, an area in the hippocampus region known for high rates of neurogenesis and receiving excitatory input from the frontal cortex. It also increases production of GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid), which calms the nervous system. Research results support the anti-anxiety effects of long-term running and increased neurogenesis throughout the dentate gyrus (Schoenfeld, T., Rada, P., Pieruzzini, P., Hsueh, B., & Gould, E., 2013).

Running generate new neurons (neurogenesis) in the dentate gyrus, an area of the brain responsible for new memory formation, plays a role in stress and depression and decreases anxiety-like sensations.

Schoenfeld, T., Rada, P., Pieruzzini, P., Hsueh, B., & Gould, E. (2013). Journal of Neuroscience, 2013 May 1;33(18):7770-7. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5352-12.2013.