Forget losing weight or being in shape. Running is therapy for the mind.
Yes, I do run with the intention of being in shape, but even more so, running is my go-to when I need to relax. That's because when I run, I don't have to do anything else.
Recently, I caught myself running with my headphones in — but I was three miles in and there was no music playing. Turns out I had never even turned my music on. That's when I realized that I don't need it. My mind wanders and that's enough for me to relax. I think about the past or the future, maybe someone I talked to that day, or something I observed. I mull over tribulations going on in my life — but I don't make decisions and I don't make plans. I just run.
I find myself multitasking the majority of every day. Everything is on a schedule, and everything has to get done, so I do it all at once. When I'm running, that all stops. I force myself not to think about my to-do list for those 30 minutes out of the day. I don't run to meet a certain pace or distance, I just run until I'm done running.
Because of the constant multi-tasking nature I have (which was definitely learned from my dad), I'm not the type of person to relax by just sitting. I don't like to waste daylight, and when I run I feel like the day stretches out for me. I all of the sudden have more time, more freedom, and more flexibility.
Even if it is just a short time out of my day, it's one of the most important parts. I like to say that I sweat out my stress, so if I don't get to run one day, my mind has a hard time stopping. Running, ironically, slows me down in the best way possible.
Today, I didn't get to run. So tonight, I'm grumpy; I'm sitting at my computer, clicking these keys as fast possible so that I can get on to my next task. I feel rushed, and I'm distracted because all I can think about is the next time I can throw on my shoes and hit the pavement. They aren't kidding when they say you can be addicted to endorphins.
Running, for me means better sleep, better feelings, better decisions, and a better mind.
