It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.
My topic today is: How to Run As Therapy
I may have mentioned a few weeks ago that I almost risked a serious injury because I felt that if I stopped running, I’d go crazy.
So here are my tips on how to use running as “therapy.”
1. Do Speed Drills
Running 400m repeats at a particular pace will certainly take your mind off your problems. You’ll either be breathing too hard to care or checking your watch to see what your pace is.
2. Listen to Music
Do we have the time to sit at home and just listen to music? If you do play music, it is probably in the background while you are dong something else or often while you are driving. So download your favorite tunes and sing along as you run. I bet the lyrics and the beat will temporarily make you forget your stressors.
3. Subscribe to Podcasts.
There are so many great ones out there. I now prefer to listen to them when I drive or run instead of music. You may be entertained or even learn something new. Run This World is one of my current favorites.
4. Meet up with a Friend
You can use this time to either seek out the advice of a running buddy or maybe just chat about something totally unrelated to what is causing you anxiety.
5. Soak in your Surroundings.
Pick a new place or your favorite place where you can zone out on the flowers, trees, lake, river, etc. Use nature to calm yourself.
Happy Running! Do you use running as your therapy? Anything else to add?
My First 5K and More... 
I’ve always used running as therapy–now that I’m really struggling, I’m worried about losing my go to for mental health!
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Just keep running…no matter how slow even if you have to walk.
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Running with friends is the best therapy ever! Have a fantastic weekend
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it is!
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I love listening to music while running. It’s the best way for me to zone out and really decompress from a stressful day.
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I used to only run with music but now I’ve switched to podcasts when I am alone.
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Speedwork is definitely a good way to destress and hill sprints too! What are some of your current favorite podcasts?
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Run This World, Another Mother Runner, I’ll Have Another, Ali on the Run
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These are all great tips! I think I’ve used them all at one point or another.
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great minds…
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I love having music when I’m running solo, but there have been some recent runs where I forget to take it with me. I usually do all of my walks with “nothing,” so sometimes I forget to grab my Ipod before I leave the house…and don’t realize it until I’m already a mile or so gone LOL
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It’s funny the only time I run is for therapy. It’s great to relieve anxiety. I want to begin to run for enjoyment too.
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I’ve used running to help with stress for many years now, but I also try to listen to my body & not run when it tells me that it’s not a great idea.
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Running has def been therapy for me over the years. Right now I wish I could be running as a tool for mourning the loss of my grandmother, but I am injured so I have been finding other ways to get out my feelings in therapeutic ways.
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Sorry for your loss. Glad you have found something else to help but I hope you’ll be running again soon.
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Thank you!
As soon as my knee heals I’m on it!
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