Running for my sanity

So, I've been keeping a low profile for a while, not my usual outgoing and upbeat self...it's been a tough few months for me (a post maybe for another day...) my emotions got so intense that I was physically ill for a couple of weeks and had issues with my sight.  I understood that getting ill was my body's reaction to a period of constant stress and anxiety, however, I also felt that physically I was unfit and needed to do something to start taking better care of myself overall.  Having been someone in the past who was very fit, I have become increasingly unhappy with my body, especially that flipping mum-tum! How is it that I could lose weight everywhere else in my body yet still be holding on to so much fat in that area?!! 

So... to cut a long story short I decided despite hating running my whole life and avoiding doing any strenuous exercise for about 5 and a half years - to start running!  One of the mums from school who runs a ridiculous amount of kilometres every week (she looks amazing!) encouraged me and sent me a plan which involved gradually increasing the amount I would run through interval training, alternating between running and walking, gradually running more than walking.  Well…oh my goodness it changed my life! Physically and most importantly mentally!

Firstly, if anyone is interested in running but has struggled with it, hated it but would really like to be in love with it -  download the ‘Couch to 5k’ app (no I'm not sponsored by them!). I have just completed the programme and am running for 30 minutes doing about 5k each run - totally amazing and incredible by my standards! I am feeling generally fitter and stronger and I can see the difference in my body! Mum-tum not gone yet though 😅

Secondly, I had heard about the benefits of running for people’s mental health but had no idea until I started running.  I have found the process of gradually increasing the amount I run, breaking through the pain when my endurance was being seriously tested and actually succeeding with each run so fulfilling.   I am so proud that I have actually stuck out 3 times a week running for these last couple of months and that I can now call myself a runner!  If anything the days I run I feel stronger and mentally prepared to face the day.

Thirdly, being a working mum of two, finding time to exercise is such a challenge, nearly impossible.  But somehow the buzz from the first couple of runs got me waking up at 5.30am - oh yes! - as before the kids wake up and I go to work are the only time I have to myself during daylight...Also I confess it’s the only time of day I feel confident to run with a shower cap (and a visor) on my head when it is raining!!  😂 "What the?" you ask! ...there are no running caps for people with afros that don’t stop your whole hair from getting soaked with sweat!! 😂😂😂

Also, I just love and am moved by the silence and peacefulness of the world when most people are still asleep. The landscapes and little things I don’t have the time to see when going to work or managing my kids…  I just feel a sense of peace and freedom that soothes my soul and creates the mental space to pray and work through my emotions... 

What vices do you have?  What do you do for your mental health and sanity?  I really just wanted to share...life isn't always rosy and wonderful, we all go through hard times and I think it's important to know that we are not alone with emotional struggles .  My hope is that in this post someone will feel they can relate and be validated in their struggles with life, their emotional state.  Or maybe you’ll be inspired  (if you don’t already have something) to find something that helps you find your inner peace.

Please share with us and comment below…

Ok beautiful Dare to Ariser, wishing you a peaceful overcoming day - Shalom