Embracing Running for Mental Health: My 7-Day Journey
Written on
Chapter 1: My Struggle with Depression
Living with depression is not new to me. For years, I’ve experienced mild depression; at times, it flares up intensely, while other moments, it lingers quietly. It never truly disappears, always reminding me of its presence.
With spring break approaching, I find myself eagerly awaiting the respite. As a teacher, I know how chaotic things can get as the school year winds down—it's as if the rules no longer apply.
As a personal trainer and health coach, I should be motivated to work out, yet I’ve found it nearly impossible to summon the desire to exercise over the past week. Despite this, I made a commitment to run every night. The lesson here? Life can be challenging, but we have to push through.
Section 1.1: The Commitment to Running
As my stress levels and depression grew, I decided to increase the incline on my treadmill and set a realistic goal for myself. I let go of unrealistic expectations because I didn’t need any additional stress.
In the past, I've struggled with binge eating during tough times. The allure of baked goods and donuts in the teacher's lounge is ever-present, and I admit to giving in once. I had a donut but haven’t touched anything since. We're all human, and perfection isn’t attainable.
In addition, I made it a point to prepare meals each evening. Despite feeling down, I’ve managed to eat healthily, which I consider a significant victory. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
Subsection 1.1.1: Taking Control
I can’t control when depression hits, but I can manage several aspects of my life:
- Going to bed and waking up at consistent times
- Getting out of bed even on tough days
- Finding daily activities that excite me, even when it's difficult
- Choosing nutritious foods
- Focusing on positive thoughts
- Engaging with others, even when I prefer solitude
- Committing to some form of exercise daily
- Spending time outdoors
- Remaining dedicated to my goals
- Writing consistently, even when creativity feels stifled
I should mention that I recently stopped taking my antidepressant. I’ve been on and off them for years, and I’m now focused on finding natural solutions to my challenges. This approach is personal; it’s crucial to do what feels right for you and consult with a doctor before making any changes to your medication.
Now, my self-prescribed remedy involves physical activity: running, moving, and lifting. While I wouldn’t call it a cure, it certainly aids in managing my depression and balancing my emotions.
Chapter 2: The Power of Running
The first video showcases my experience running 5km every day for a week. It highlights the benefits and challenges I faced during this journey.
Section 2.1: Finding What Works
Although I consider myself knowledgeable in health and wellness, life can be unpredictable, and sometimes we don’t have all the answers. Admittedly, this past week has been difficult for me. While I've incorporated bodyweight exercises, I've primarily identified as a runner lately. Running is particularly effective for me in managing depression, alongside outdoor activities and a diet of whole foods.
The second video chronicles a group that ran daily for 30 days and discusses the transformative effects of this commitment.
Section 2.2: A Flexible Approach
We can plan out routines, but sometimes we must adapt to the flow of life. Right now, I feel drawn to running because it effectively combats my depression.
I’ve committed to a daily goal: 20 minutes of movement. This could extend to 30 minutes or even an hour, but I make sure to dedicate at least 20 minutes to running. I always feel better after any form of exercise, while inactivity often leads to feeling worse.
Remember, movement matters. Adapt your routine to fit your current circumstances; daily activity and healthy habits should always be a priority.