When he’s not playing a dangerous game in the Celebrity Traitors castle, Richard E. Grant starts every day the same way: with a two-mile run around Richmond Park.

It’s a habit he’s maintained since childhood. Growing up in Eswatini (then known as Swaziland), he spent much of his school years running whenever he could.

‘Throughout my life, running has been a reliable way to burn off excess energy,’ he previously told Runner’s World. ‘It always clears my head and eases away anxiety.’

He continued: ‘I’ve rarely run with other people. The solitary nature of it appeals. I can go at my own pace, and having earphones means I can listen to music and audiobooks. That’s all the company I need when I’m running.’

Grant previously ran four miles around the park every morning (‘It sets me up for the day in the best possible way,’ he told The Gloss), though he’s scaled that back slightly as he’s got older.

It’s not just the consistency of the habit that’s beneficial, either. According to research, the timing may matter too.

Why Are Morning Runs So Beneficial?

Studies have repeatedly suggested that running in the morning may offer several advantages compared with exercising later in the day.

For one, it could benefit your long-term health. A study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session earlier this year found that people who regularly exercised in the morning were significantly less likely to have coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and obesity than those who typically exercised later in the day.

Morning runs have also been linked with improved focus and productivity, while exercising earlier in the day may also contribute to better sleep.

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Lauren Geall is deputy site editor for Women’s Health UK and Men’s Health UK. She graduated from Exeter University with a BA in English Literature before studying an MA in Magazine Journalism at City, University London. She’s been writing about health, fitness and wellbeing for over five years, with a total of seven years in digital journalism. Prior to her current role, she worked at Stylist as the acting health and fitness editor. As well as being a keen runner, Lauren is passionate about women’s sport and can often be found cheering on Arsenal Women at the Emirates or keeping tabs on the Red Roses’ latest win.