Running and mental health

There are many claims on the internet about “hacks” for improved mental health. Lots of claims of quick-fixes and quasi-scientific “evidence”. I’m not going to repeat any of that here. I will state as a fact however that being outdoors and moving is good for your mental health.

We’ve been lucky enough to be joined by Michelle, The Runner’s Therapist, at many of our events. I’ll be leaning on her expertise to try to explain the link between running and good and improving mental health. It’s by no means a silver bullet but it helps and buys you time (as another of our friends, Allie Bailey writes in her book)

What does running do for our mental health?

• Running has been shown to make lasting and helpful structural changes to our brain

• It releases a range of feel-good chemicals associated with euphoria, happiness, and motivation

• As well as improving our pain tolerance, appetite, sleep, and memory

• Running builds confidence and resilience

• Gives us a goal and future focus

• Helps us to problem solve, process events, and reframe our thinking

• Gives us a sense of empowerment and achievement

• Gets us out of our heads and into the present moment

• It’s even been shown to benefit those struggling with anxiety and depression.

Along with these there is growing research that just being outdoors in nature positively impacts symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, sleep, stress levels and boosts our happiness.

Michelle has been sharing her top tips to help you mentally prepare and enjoy our events, you can find her tips on our Instagram feed. If you’d like Michelle, The Runner’s Therapist, to help you with your mental preparation around events and how best to approach running for your own mental health visit her website and reach out - make sure to let her know Big Bear sent you!