Running for Mental Health

I didn’t start running for my mental health.
But that’s one of the biggest reasons I keep doing it.

When I first started, I just wanted to try something new. Something I could do on my own, at my own pace.
I didn’t realize how much I needed it, not just for my body, but for my brain.

I’ve been through some hard stuff (we all have on some level).
Things that made me question everything.
Things that made me feel like maybe I wasn’t meant to keep going.

It was dark.
I didn’t know how to talk about it.
I didn’t know if it would ever get better.

But then I started running.

Some runs clear my head. Some runs save me from it.

Running gives me something to focus on when my thoughts get too loud.
It helps my brain slow down.
It helps my body release some of the stress that builds up.

There are real things that happen when you run:
It boosts chemicals in your brain that help you feel calmer.
It reduces anxiety.
It helps you sleep better.
It gives your brain something steady when life feels out of control.

Running helps me feel in control when everything else feels messy.

I don’t always want to run.
But I always feel better after I do.

When I run, I remember that I’m still here.

Still moving.

Still showing up.

It doesn’t have to be fast. Just real.

Some days I push myself.
Some days I just get outside and move.
Both days matter.

You don’t need to be perfect.
You don’t need to run like anyone else.
You just need to take one step. Then another.

When I run, I remind myself that I can make it.

I don’t know what you’re carrying.
I don’t know what’s weighing you down.
But maybe running could help you too.

Not to escape life.
But to feel it again.

So if today feels heavy, maybe go for a walk.
Or a run.
Or even just step outside and breathe.

It helped me.
And maybe it can help you too.