This is a running blog. For today only, this is a mental health blog. Today is the Mental Health Month blog party.
Wait a second. Running and mental health are related. They go hand-in-hand pretty easily. See, I told you it all goes back to running. It always goes back to running.
Running is one of my mental health coping skills. It keeps me fit. Helps my health. Gets me outside. Helps me sleep better. Gives me time to think. Teaches me how to listen to my body. Strengthens my mental skills. Gives me goals. Clears my head. Improves my mood. Reduces stress. Some of my best runs have been on days when I was angry, upset, or otherwise not feeling it. Yet I got out there anyway and always felt better afterwards. You often regret sitting at home on the couch. You rarely regret going out for a run.
It isn't just running that provides the mental health benefits. It doesn't have to be the extreme miles of marathon training (like what I do most of the time). It doesn't have to be anywhere close to that. It doesn't have to be running. More generally, physical activity of any type can impart the similar benefits. Even something as simple as short walks can help.
Why am I blogging about mental health? Because there is far too much stigma around mental health. Because far too often mental health issues lie in the silence. Because mental health permeates all aspects of our lives. Because it's too important not to.
Why am I blogging about mental health? Because there is far too much stigma around mental health. Because far too often mental health issues lie in the silence. Because mental health permeates all aspects of our lives. Because it's too important not to.
You can find out more about the Mental Health Blog Party here or more information about mental health at yourmindyourbody.org.
Nice post! loved the analogy! Following you now
ReplyDeleteThanks! I find that most things relate to running in one way or another, or running teaches me things completely unrelated to running. So it was an easy analogy.
DeleteIt is indeed interesting to attend to attitude while running - too much pressure, not pushing enough - mindful compassion in regard to mileage splits? Personally, being a psychologist in Rhode Island who also loves road work I really enjoyed reading this!
ReplyDeleteKeeping your attitude and emotions in check is key. You're right, it is very easy to become overly mindful of all the data ... pace, mileage totals, and so on.
DeleteI wish I were still running in Rhode Island! I moved recently and am enjoying new routes, but Rhode Island is special.
Point is that people should be more aware of mental illness. So much stresses and depression this days. We must keep our spirit calm and live healthy life :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting I like it and we must live healthy life.
ReplyDeletePsychological testing nyc
Exercise is so good for mental health that's one thing i'm lacking thanks for sharing this blog xx
ReplyDeleteRunning has been one of my usual exercises and just to support you in your analogies, running doesn't just makes your blood active but your mind as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing delightful health information!
ReplyDelete