As a relative newbie to running I am just getting into the swing of it. I have signed up for the Great West half marathon in October which is a little terrifying as at the moment I can barely run 5k comfortably.
As I run I find it gives me great head space. It is an uninterrupted time that is just mine. That in itself is tremendous as I have 2 young children so any time to myself is amazing.
When I am not thinking about how tired I am and the lack of oxygen I seem to be getting during a run I do find it is a great time to think. Even if I am breathless and aching being outside exercising is brilliant.
I have suffered from depression since my son was born 7 years ago. I go through highs and lows as is common with depression but when I have been for a run I come back and feel invigorated. It truly helps my mental state. It’s funny because I find running both physically and mentally demanding yet my mental health always benefits from going for a run.
Exercise itself is important for keeping fit and active anyway but the feeling I get after a run is always great. I don’t know if it’s the hormones released or the sense of achievement by going that little bit further or shaving a few seconds off a personal best.
For me, running has had such a positive impact on my mental health and I will continue to improve both physically and mentally from it.
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Thank you for sharing this story. As part of #MilesForMind we want to raise money for Mind and also awareness of mental health issues.
