Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics. This week’s Tuesday Topic: Running and Mental Health. Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post.
Since this week is Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s the perfect time to write about how running helps with my mental health. I never really thought about this topic until Covid hit, but over the past two years, I’ve really seen the link between exercise and mental health.
To start, we all know that exercise releases endorphins. These endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. This has been proven to me time and time again. I can be in a crappy mood before a workout, or really not want to workout at all, but once I get started, I start to slowly feel better. By the end of the workout, my mood is completely changed.
I will admit that when the Covid lockdown first started, I was actually doing okay the first 2 weeks (probably because I didn’t think it would last long), but once we were about a month into lockdown, I noticed my anxiety getting worse and worse. I was so worried about literally everything and anything and I just couldn’t shut my brain off. My sleep was also worse than usual – it just wasn’t a good time. One day after a run, I noticed that I wasn’t as anxious. In fact, I noticed this each time after a workout. That’s when I really made the link between running and mental health. This is one of the reasons I prefer to exercise in the morning – sure, it’s nice to get it our of the way, but it also sets me up for a better day mentally.
I love that people are feeling more comfortable talking about this very important subject. Last week I really enjoyed reading this post on the Brooks Running website – How your miles help your mind. Three runners shared their mental health health journeys.
Also, not fitness related, but another thing that helps with my mental health is meditation. I don’t do it daily, but I try to do it a few days a week. Even a 5 minute meditation is great.
How does running help your mental health?
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Topic for next week – A day in your life
Catrina says
I agree, Kim, running is my therapy!
Before we became self-employed, I had a very stressful job at a global Swiss bank. I worked around the clock and on weekends. However, I could always take a 2-hour lunch break to go for a run. I was ever so grateful for that because it helped me to deal with the stress.
I felt so good when I came back to my desk after a run!
kookyrunner says
Oh wow, yes I have heard about how stressful bank jobs can be. I am glad that you were able to use running as a way to de-stress during that time.
Shathiso says
Running truly is my therapy. When I started running, I was so focused on the physical benefits but I quickly realised the mental health benefits probably outweigh the physical ones. If I run in the morning, it sets a good tone for my day. If I run in the evening, it’s a way to de-stress and figure things out.
kookyrunner says
Same here! I was 100% only interested in the physical benefits of running when I first started, but now it’s so much more than that for me.
Kimberly Hatting says
I’ve never really run (or exercised) for stress relief…well, not intentionally…but I have certainly benefited in that capacity. Like you, I prefer to get it done first thing in the morning because it sets a positive tone for the entire day. Besides, I’m awake anyways…might as well utilize my time 🙂 It’s a great “fix” we’re privy to…I feel bad for the unfortunate ones who don’t take advantage of it.
kookyrunner says
Exercising in the morning is such a habit for me now that it’s hard to break, which is a good thing!
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
This is so true, Kim. I think we all feel so much better after our runs, gym workouts, etc. and exercise has been an important component for dealing with the stresses of the past two years.
kookyrunner says
Totally agree! I think the last 2 years have proven that we all need a way to release stress – whether through exercise or hobbies.
Chocolaterunsjudy says
My MIL once mentioned that I’m a nicer person after a run. 🙂
Running is great for mental health, for sure, although for me my Yoga is more important. Running can be taken away, but Yoga (meditation is actually a limb of Yoga!) really can’t be — there are always ways to adapt a Yoga practice. Sorry; you asked!
Running has SO many benefits, mental, spiritual (time in nature, for me anyway), and physical. Who knew? Not me when I first started but I’m glad that I did!
kookyrunner says
That’s a really great point about yoga – I never thought of it that way.
Wendy says
I started running for stress relief and running has been there for me every time I needed it! Right now, I’m feeling stressed again–so as always, I’m grateful to have running to help soothe my frayed nerves!
kookyrunner says
For sure! So happy that we can all find solace in running to help us with stress.
Jenny says
GREAT topic. Running is crucial for my mental health, and i’ve always known that. Like you, I prefer to run or do my workout in the morning so I get the benefits all day. Sometimes I even forget that exercise has physical benefits because I’m so focused on the mental side of things!
kookyrunner says
I’m always amazed at ho I am in such a better mood after a workout – it really is a great feeling.
San says
I totally agree: I love running/exercising in the morning because it really sets the tone for the rest of the day… although I also won’t dismiss the benefits of an evening workout .:)
kookyrunner says
Every now and then I do enjoy an evening workout as well!
Deborah Brooks says
This is so true the endorphin release that exercise provides is priceles.. I am a totally different person after a sweaty workout. Running is also a very social activity for me and that really helped me so much during all the crazy times of the past 2 years
kookyrunner says
The social aspect of running is so important too. I know so many people felt disconnected during Covid because group runs stopped.