Running is a powerful tool to heal your mind and reduce stress levels. Here we look at how to use running to improve your mental health during the winter months which often come with heightened levels of stress.
The winter months offer a double whammy of more stress and less time to deal with it. End of year deadlines, pressure to get presents for Christmas, not many holidays, lack of sunshine, overindulgence and lack of sleep, and then there is the low light drudgery of January and February to contend with. Your stress bucket therefore maybe feeling a bit full and the usual things you do to destress are limited. If this is you, then you are not alone.
We often think running is about physical fitness, but the primary objective can also be for fitness of the mind. Trail running is the super food of running when it comes to mental health and offers a great opportunity to digitally detox, for reasons we will unpack here.
Trail running – the super food of running
Trail running has the unique ability to reconnect us to our beautiful natural world and yet at the same time stimulate and connect our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements. It provides us with the space to destress, find peace and all the while become a stronger runner. Whilst you’re appreciating the mindfulness of the moment you may also recognise the mental toughness that’s required to plough through trails on cold, wet and wintry days. Again, perfect for giving you that extra mental edge for digging deeper when the dreaded wall hits.
The other advantage over road running is the impact green space has on us. Simply walking in nature for fifteen minutes (in comparison to walking in an urban environment) increases measurably our ability to concentrate, our mental and physical energy. It can even increase our intrinsic aspirations and goals, such as how we perceive personal growth, community etc and decrease extrinsic aspirations such as money, image and fame, and even boost our immune system. That’s amazing!! (Want to know more about the wonders of trail running check out this article)
Adding to your run
You can boost the healing power of a trail run by following these simple techniques:
- Digital detox – turn off notifications on your phone – this helps create freedom from the stress that comes from getting constant notifications.
- Digital detox next level – turn off that podcast or music and just be present as you run on the trails. This is so good for your brain, just to be present, something we used to do a lot of but now has a label – mindfulness.
- Positive self-talk – Self talk or personal thoughts are a constant dialogue into your life. Use this time to think positively about life, yourself, your concerns, maybe even say it out loud! It’s proven to work.
Getting prepared
You want to remove as many barriers as possible to enable you to get out on the trails and have this healing experience. So, to tackle those wintry trails, you’ll need to get ready for them. Headtorch, warm clothing, trail shoes appropriate to the conditions. Don’t worry about your pace, or the physical fitness side, just focus on getting out there. Just 15 minutes will help balance your stress levels.
So next time you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, pop on your trail shoes, and get healed by nature.
Written by Simon James (Alpine Running Guide and International Mountain Leader)
