Can Running Help Mental Health
Can running help mental health?
Yes! Absolutely. Running can be like therapy and is amazing for mental health. I’ve been running for years, and I’ve also gone through therapy too, and so I’d definitely say it can feel the same. I’ve found running to be extremely beneficial in so many ways over the years. Of course it has the physical benefits of doing cardiovascular exercise regularly. But I truly believe running has an even bigger impact on what you sometimes can’t see.
Running Clears Your Head
We all get those days. We come home (or already if we’re working remotely) and we just need to let off steam. We need a break. We’re human after all. And running does exactly that, without the wine or chocolate. Of course, you can choose those options too. But as someone who doesn’t drink, and doesn’t indulge lots in those treats, running is my therapy.
Don’t get me wrong. Not every run will be the most cathartic 30 minutes of your life, depending on how serious of a runner you are and how much time you have. But sometimes, 15 minutes of putting one foot in front of the other can completely change your mood, your headspace and your life (if you do it often enough).
Running Gives You Headspace To Become a Better You
They say you don’t come up with your best ideas when you’re shoved in a ‘brainstorming’ meeting at 3pm. Of course you don’t. You need space to get those great ideas going. That’s why you’ll often hear people talk about the brilliance of going for a short walk for fresh air. In fact, I know of people who’ve had great ideas while they’re brushing their teeth or having a shower.
Now these ideas might be suggestions for a client project you’re working on, things you want to pursue in the future, or brilliantly kind gift ideas for a loved one. It could be anything. But when I’m running, I have the headspace to think of my greatest ideas. Not every idea is a gem. But if you run regularly enough or at least give yourself the time of day, you’ll notice smart ideas crop up when you have the room to think freely, not forced.
About The Author
Hi! I’m Katie and I’m a runner, hiking lover, and yoga enthuse. You can also find me on Runkeeper and Instagram. Back in the day, I did the Ironbridge half marathon and then I’ve done the Birmingham half marathon too in the UK. I’ve raised money for Newlife charity and love all things outdoors and exercise. I’m a firm believer that running and hiking and the great outdoors really can change your life.
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Running Can Help Towards Confidence and Self-Esteem
Again, running helps on those down days. We all get them. It’s astonishing really. When you need a little or big reminder of how capable you are, and how exciting the future looks for you, running gives you that boost. There’s nothing quite like it. The world can feel overwhelming and we all feel those times where we feel small compared to everything else going on in our lives.
But humour me. Go for a gentle jog in the fresh air for 5, 10, or longer than 15 minutes. Listen to your body during the run if you’re new to running. But get out there, enjoy the fresh air on your face and run for the sake of running. Put some headphones on if music helps. Do your thing. And tell me you don’t feel more confident and happier afterwards, like you’ve had therapy.
The best part? It’s all free!
Written by Katie McDonald
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