In the midst of all my personal chaos, I can be sure of one thing: running saves my sanity. It is a coping mechanism for which I am eternally grateful, because it helps me get through some of the more difficult days. How? I’d love to tell you.
Running Gives Me Time To Process
I’m a person who really likes to be alone with myself and my thoughts, so when times are tough, running allows me the time and space to process. It’s even better when I can choose a location that lends itself to solitude.
Running Allows Me To Disconnect
While I do take my phone on my runs, I am pretty disconnected. This gives me the ability to focus on myself and the moment, rather than getting distracted by other things. It’s easy to allow outside influences to help push off dealing with problems, but when I disconnect, I get the clarity I need.
Running Helps Me Take Care Of Myself
When things go sideways, running is the non-negotiable that helps keep ME well. I confess I’m not always the best at taking care of myself, so when I run, I get out in the fresh air and pump my heart rate. This is one of the best things I can do for myself when times are tough.
Running Helps Me Change My Focus
When I’m running, I don’t have to think about the tough times as much. Instead, I can turn my focus to running a race, or working on my form or pace. Running allows me to be somewhere else, which is helpful on the hardest days.
Running Is Something Just For Me
Caretakers and those going through trauma and other difficult situations often find themselves consumed with their current state of affairs. Running is one of those things that can be just for you. Personally, I cherish those small gifts, and it helps me get through the obstacles ahead.
Does running save your sanity?
*** Running is great, but it’s not a replacement for therapy or mental healthcare. If you are having a hard time or struggling, please reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. ***
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I definitely agree! Running gives me time to process whatever is on my mind. I like having that alone time to just think or zone out!
I love having that alone time. Love.
I love how you can express so well how I feel about running. Right now, things are a bit chaotic with my parents visiting, and I’m glad for my runs. They’re very short, as I’m still coming back from injury, but they help!
I’m here for you! And you’ll be back, I have no doubt!
Running does give me much needed time to decompress while at the same time rev me up. I am lucky to have a group to run with and we feel like it’s group therapy sometimes in a good way
It’s just so great to have that outlet.
Yes running really helps…
the problem is that if you depend on it too much, what do you do when you can’t run??
Excellent question.
Yes to all of this. I also really need my alone time, and I especially love running on trails so I can REALLY be alone. And like you, I bring my phone along but that’s really just for photos- I don’t look at texts or calls while I’m out there.
I get a little nervous on trails by myself, but the roads alone are just fine.
I do sometimes answer texts if i’m out, and I’ll talk to my mother when I walk, because it’s when I have time to focus on her.
All of this! Running is definitely my ME time and I need and cherish that.