Week 3 run 2 - some relief for mental health!

[amyrwills]

Phew, it’s been a bad mental health couple of days for me, so I was itching to get my trainers on this afternoon - a sensation I’ve NEVER had before, trust me!

It didn’t exactly ‘cure’ my anxiety, but it was a good relief and my mood was definitely up afterwards.

As someone who’s struggled with anxiety and depression for a long time, I’m always open to new coping mechanisms. Think I’ve found a good one here!

Has anyone else seen benefits to their mental health during the C25K/running?

I’d read some tips online about running form and was eager to try them out - relaxing your shoulders and keeping your arms low has really helped. I felt like I could breathe a lot easier today.

[Jullaly Graduate]

Very well done not only are you helping your mental health this running is giving you a new strategy to use. Loads on here talk about improvements in self esteem and confidence as the weeks progress. Keep going

[Goforitmama Graduate]

Running has given me back my inner smile. I feel more confident. I am glad that you have found some help through running. Keep going, you are doing great!

[aliboo70]

Yes it definitely helps. I started here 4 years ago and it has improved my mental health massively , made me less self conscious and given me a real sense of purpose; and I've made some great friends too! keep on going you're doing great 😊x

[Lisalou1402 Graduate]

1000% it helps. As someone who also suffers with anxiety and depression, I love it. If I’ve had a bad day at work, or I’m anxious about something coming up, then I head for a run, trainers on, headphones in and for the next 30/40 min I feel like I can take on the world and still be alive to tell the tale afterwards ☺️ Handling the depression I find harder, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction!

Well done and good luck xx

[MarciePower Graduate]

I have mild anxiety problems which require medication when they occur. I didn’t start keeping fit and following this programme because of my problem, however I am finding that feeling better about myself, because of the holistic benefits of running in the open air, plus “proper” swimming (by which I mean not recreational) has really improved my sense of well-being to the point where the anxiety is generally diminishing.