When most people I’ve talked to hear the words “jogging,” “running” or anything of the sort, they tend to run away in fear—well, at least their facial expressions tell me that they want to. Even my friends who exercise a lot or are very athletic tend to despise jogging. It makes sense: One of my friends has knee problems, and any kind of running usually aggravates it. Another is a dancer, and she’s advised not to jog since it might negatively affect her dancer’s feet. For me, though, it feels like liberation. I’ll say it: I absolutely love jogging. Often it’s the most enjoyable part of my day.

For people who hate it, they usually wonder how on earth I can enjoy it, especially because I'm really not athletic in the least. A large part of the reason that jogging makes me happy is that I do it recreationally. I don’t run competitively and I never have, but I greatly respect those who do, and I commend them for their talent and hard work. Still, that just isn’t the part that running plays in my life, and that’s okay. I’ve thought about joining cross-country or track often, but I just couldn’t see turning it into something competitive. For me, the rush of endorphins and the mental focus required to keep going almost turns it into a meditative activity. And besides, I said I loved running; I didn’t say I was good at it. I couldn’t tell you my best time, although a friend did argue that I should find out what mine is because then I’d have bragging rights.

In these past two semesters—my freshman year of college to be exact—I’ve discovered just how valuable to me jogging is. When you’re immersed in an entirely new group of people, over and over again, that “me” time becomes precious to you, in whatever form it may come. In my life, jogging is one of my most effective stress relief strategies, and I can truly call it time to myself. I put my headphones in, I start going and I get into the zone. I’m able to think about anything that’s troubling me without distraction or consequence, and it feels great. After jogging, I feel refreshed and ready to be productive almost every time.

That’s no coincidence. Exercise is known to improve mood and health, but jogging in particular can actually help even more than other activities. One study showed that among depressed college students participating in various physical activities, depression was decreased the most in the groups that jogged. As someone who sometimes struggles with depression, I can attest that jogging helps immensely, whether it’s for the physical boost of endorphins or the meditative qualities it can have. I remember multiple occasions during the current and previous semester when I was really stressing or feeling down, and the only thing that kept it from getting worse was this kind of exercise. Not only that, but there are the physical benefits of exercise in general, known to make people healthier.

If you’re in college and you’re stressed (aka, most people who are in college), and you haven’t tried jogging, I suggest it. If it’s not your thing, though, I totally get it, and either way I encourage you to find whatever activity helps you get on top of your game and relieve stress. No matter what, I hope you fight on and get in your zone—jogging is the best way for me to do that.