Runners High. Does it exist?

I recently asked myself, why do I run? Like most people I run to stay in shape (I love chocolate too much) and for all the health benefits exercise provides. I am also a massively competitive person so why not push my body to it's limits :) While physical health is the most emphasised aspect of exercising/ not exercising, mental health is something that gets over looked so often in people’s lives. in the past year I have come to the realisation that running is a coping mechanism I use for stresses in my life. It’s a positive release for the pressures of study and work that I place on myself all too often. On the back of that, it has always helped me maintain a positive self esteem, positive body image and overall physical health.

I’ve spent my entire life being active, playing Gaelic football, basketball and cycling.

I am a nail biter, a foot shaker and a hair curler who has anxious tendencies and very high standards of myself in anything I do (a ‘’Type A personality’’). With that in mind I’ve realised that I can let go of the stresses of my life when I exercise. These feelings of euphoria, from the rush of endorphins, post run or gym session are short lived but they enable me to relish in the positivity and see the clarity that things really are not as bad as I make them out to be.

Over the past 6 years I have moved house 8 times, held different job roles and never felt settled which I believe has contributed to my current low stress threshold. Taking studying as an example, I trained for the London marathon from January to April, while studying a demanding year 1 physiotherapy degree course. In retrospect I realised that I was constantly stressed, on edge and easily upset most of the term. I had a negative outlook on a lot of things but always had the motivation to get out for a run. Training 5 days a week gave me an escape necessary to see me through the term whilst balancing study with work and leisure. I had a better sleeping pattern, better concentration levels and felt good about myself. I was able to improve my self discipline and dedication qualities and time management skills. Honestly, I could not have got through it without exercising and a great network of friends.

Combine that positivity with the sense of achievement in the particularly challenging goals I have always set myself, I realise that I am actually good at something and can share these great accomplishments with everyone. The runners high definitely exists. Go find yours!

How much is enough?

Even though I have written about running, the concept reflects any physical activity and any interest. Exercise can be just about sitting down less. Try something at least 5 days a week for 30 minutes of moderate intensity (this is where you are out of breath but can still hold a conversation). Make sure you enjoy it, make time for it and do it with others if you feel more motivated to be accountable to someone.

#exercise #mentalhealth #stress #anxiety #endorphins