In the past few weeks, our family has experienced some heavy losses, and I’ve found that running eases grief. The act of moving my body in a physically strenuous way is one coping mechanism that never fails to make me feel a little better. What else does running do for me in times of deep sadness? Keep reading for details.
Running Provides Much Needed Alone Time
When I am hurting and heartbroken, I want to be alone. Going out for a run gives me the space and distance I need. It’s sacred time, and I can get lost in the miles to help keep my sadness at bay.
Running Can Offer Time For Reflection
The act of running allows me time to let my brain run wild and reflect. With the rhythm of my feet on the pavement, I can get lost in memories and deep thoughts. Running is a great vehicle to let those things happen.
Running Releases Endorphins
No matter how sad I may be, running releases the endorphins that helps boost my mood. Don’t get me wrong, those endorphins don’t mend a broken heart, but they do allow for a little bit of lightness. It’s not a fix, but it does help snap me out of sadness for at least a little while.
Running Helps Me Escape
I can escape in a good run. With the right location and mindset, running is the perfect escape from all the feelings and weight of mourning. I don’t have to have a plan, but instead, can go where my feet and my heart take me. While I can’t escape my feelings forever, it’s nice to detach for at least a little while.
Running Gives Purpose
Whenever I feel lost or unmoored, running helps give me purpose. The very act of putting one foot in front of the other allows me to focus on something tangible and physical. I have a destination, a goal, and the need to zero in on the needs of my lungs and body. When I have a purpose, I can move forward with other aspects of my life, which in turn, helps further my healing.
Does running help you when you are grieving?
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Please note, while running can be a great coping mechanism, it is no replacement for counseling and therapy. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to either one of those if you are struggling and need help.
This does chime with me, although I’d add that running with good friends who I can talk to has really helped me, too. I lost a friend suddenly in the summer and I had arranged a few runs with friends; I told them briefly what had happened as I was a bit scared I was suddenly going to start crying or break down in some other way during our run, but it really helped to talk to people outside the friendship group that experienced the loss, and that running-side-by-side talk-about-anything vibe meant I could mention moments of sadness etc as I went. That has really helped me. And I’m sorry for your losses.
Running definitely gives me the space I need to try to process things. I’m so sorry for all you’ve been dealing with. Big hugs to you.
Running has definitely helped me through some very tough times in my life (Yoga too).
And sometimes I prefer running by myself when I’m working through stuff.
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Running has helped me through grieving in the past and I know it will now with a more recent loss. It can be a very cathartic experience
Running is a huge stress reliever for me. Some times even when I don’t feel like running, I am always happy after I did it.
Definitely a run. It really helps and with others to chat with. They can provide support.
A race…it makes you forget because you have to focus on something else.
Yes, yes yes! Sometimes I also feel like a long run can exhaust my busy brain and bring on a sense of peace. Sorry you’re going through a hard time… I’m glad you have running to help you through.
Running is definitely a great way to work through grief. I’ve done it many times. And that’s usually too when I put on music that reminds me of someone I’m grieving so that I can cry to my hearts content (I’m a terrible cryer, but when it happens it’s Niagara Falls!) It’s of course a termporary solution, but it can definitely make us feel just a tiny bit better.
you all have been dealt some blows lately and are in my thoughts x
I agree that running heals and helps to let me feel all of my feelings and have time to process.
I’m sorry for your losses and hope that you have better times ahead. Sending virtual good vibes and hugs from Chicago.
Agree with all of this! I wish I had been a runner when my grandmother passed- it probably would have been a better outlet for my emotions. I always go for a run when I’m dealing with a lot of stress and negative emotions though, it really helps me to process everything in a safe and effective way.
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These are great insights. I definitely pounded out some grief in my running shoes after my Dad passed away — it helped for reasons you said — I could reminisce, cry, be angry, and exhaust myself all in one long run.
I’m sorry for your grief.
Running has helped me tremendously during these past two years. There have been many emotions with my mom’s stroke, Covid, school, etc. and I looked forward each morning to my run. Now I am not running everyday anymore but for now am feeling calm. Let’s see how long that lasts!