Could this be true?

[MarybellM]

It just dawned on me during my W7R2 that in recent weeks I’ve coped better with stressful events than usual. I’m calmer and less upset by things that used to make me worry and fret far more. I’ve often heard that exercise helps mental health but didn’t push myself to the necessary limit to get the benefits. Is this what’s happened now? I’m wary about believing it (old habits cling...) but I’m beginning to feel hopeful! I’ve suffered from stress, anxiety, depression... for many years but a few months back decided to come off medication (because of an inspiring book I read) and now I’m better than ever, since starting to run. If it’s true that the running is keeping me calm then it’s heck of a worth the effort!

[backintime Graduate]

I believe so yes.

I'm no expert, but personally it helps me

[MarybellM in reply to backintime]

I’ll keep at it then!

[jaybrass73 Graduate]

With you 100% on this! My mental health has improved since starting to run, my mood is better, I can deal with things much more rationally, I feel less stressed and I’m sleeping like a baby! If I get all this with 3-4 runs a week, then all I need worry about is a new pair of trainers every so often!! Happy running!🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️

[MarybellM in reply to jaybrass73]

Sounds so exactly like me! Must be true - I really want to believe it!

[jaybrass73 Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

Go with it! Believe what your body is telling you!👍🏃🏻‍♂️👍

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Oh yes......

This poll bears it out healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep running, keep smiling.

[MarybellM in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for the link. Can’t wait to read it!

[CaffeineBomb Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Wow, around 95% reported mental health benefits! That's fantastic! And I loved reading the comments, too. Great poll!

[Granspeed Graduate]

I think lots of us feel calmer and more capable of coping after we get into running. I was amazed at the headspace it created for me. Keep at it! 🎉👍😊

[MarybellM in reply to Granspeed]

I find the effort to go out really hard, but very willing to push myself if the benefits are so huge.

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

It’s that “getting out the door” thing. 😟 It does get easier as it becomes ever more part of your life. Keep going! 👏🏼👍

[MarybellM in reply to Granspeed]

I’m finding it getting easier too... most of the time!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Yes, I believe it to be true running or exercise in general has more that just physical benefits . Isn't it great 😊

[MarybellM in reply to Buddy34]

Brilliant. Wish I’d realised it sooner. 😀

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

It has helped me in that way too. What is the book, I would be interested

[MarybellM in reply to Couchpotato2]

It’s called ‘How to lift Depression...Fast’ by Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrell. Helps you take control. Practical and straightforward.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

Sounds good, thank you

[MarybellM in reply to Couchpotato2]

I have it handy at all times with post it notes marking the most helpful pages!

[TaraBurbidge]

I feel the same ive sufferered from extreme anxiety and running is really helping!!

[MarybellM in reply to TaraBurbidge]

Thanks for the reply. Let’s keep running!

[LUHAN Graduate]

That's why I started to be honest. I am currently having a tough time with my mental health and needed something to stop me from constantly 'over thinking' if you like. I am loving the challenge of getting out and doing something just for me...just hope I can keep it up.

I am so glad it is helping you xx

[MarybellM in reply to LUHAN]

Thanks Luhan. Glad it’s helping you so much too!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

It’s one of those “hidden” bonuses to running. Everybody know it’s gets you physically fit... but the mental health aspects are less well known, and it’s the best stress burner I’ve ever found. Happy running.

[MarybellM in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks. I’m glad I’ve discovered this hidden treasure!

[MuddledGardener Graduate]

It’s fab. It’s helping me to wean myself off antidepressants very nicely. Just a few more weeks, and I’ll be free of the drugs! 🎉

[mrrun Graduate]

From a walking argument to a listening diplomat in just few thousand kilometres. It has certainly worked for me. Who would possibly want to argue after a long run? Show me that guy, I'll ask him to keep on running and check him out after another 10k. He. Will. Be. Calm.

[backintime Graduate]

It does make me laugh though, we talk about improving our mental health and sanity then go running in torrential rain, does that make us crazy ?: D

[MarybellM in reply to backintime]

No! We’re raising our minds above the physical discomforts of life, whether it be rain, hail or stress!

[backintime Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

😂

[Cantstopmenow Graduate in reply to backintime]

I know 😂 it's great to be able to choose to run in the rain. Such a wonderful sense of freedom 😃

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to backintime]

Er... 🤪

[Evol Graduate in reply to backintime]

Haha, absolutely! I have not taken the step of running in heavy rain yet, planning gym membership instead!

[Sdyates2019 in reply to Evol]

I brought a treadmill for the rubbish weather days, you can get those cheaper than going to the gym...it's also a bigger effort to travel to gym when the outside with it's free training area is just the other side of your front door.

[Evol Graduate in reply to Sdyates2019]

Very good points!

[Cantstopmenow Graduate]

It gives me such a wonderful sense of freedom. It's liberating .... It's exhilarating... I love It!

I head for the running shoes after work now rather than a glass of wine and a bag of crisps!

[alisonr54 Graduate]

Running has been a revelation to me. I have found myself really keen to get out there and clear my head. I always feel great when I’m done, just less anxious and tense. I can totally see how it’s good for your mental health.

[Islesrunner Graduate]

It has been true for me😁

I feel more resilient, stronger 💪

I’m so happy for you!

Running has surprising and unexpected benefits.

Keep going!

Xx

[Midlifecath Graduate]

A great post and great thread. I weaned myself off anti-depressants over a few months earlier this year and also find running has had this unexpected bonus. Just struggling with repeated colds, sinus problems. My daughter also runs to manage her anxiety which I am so pleased about (she's 13). I am going to read the book you mentioned. So good to be able to post openly about anxiety/depression.

[Cornwall1 Graduate]

Well done and yes I think it helps , I get a better night sleep and that helps you to cope , I think the time running helps you focus and when you feel good it makes you think good too xx

[Grey-smoke]

I never think clearer than when I am running. It’s definitely not a zen thing (the sound of my puffing precludes that 😁) but defo come up with solutions and ideas that otherwise I don’t think I would have.

[snailface Graduate]

Yes I found the same - brilliant medicine.

Sadly I’m on the IC at the mo and can feel myself relapsing trying to walk regularly but doesn’t quite do the same job.

[smeeagain Graduate]

Its so true....i am a really different calmer bloke nowadays....a real huge difference from a few months ago....some people dont really believe i have changed but i have.....Happy running😁

[Crolla]

Yes, I believe it's true and backed up by the medical community. In the short term, the endorphins released by exercise will make you feel calmer. In my case, I think having something else to focus on, and an aim, has really helped my mental wellbeing.

[theoldfellow]

I think you are right, I'm much more in control of the emotions now.

And my wife says I am far far nicer when I've had a run. So much so that she insists I do Parkrun, rain or shine.

On another tack, as an older runner, I find I have far more to look forward to. The old picture of the gradual decline to decrepitude has changed into wondering if I can beat my PB.

❤

[johnm12 Graduate]

For what its worth, I think this is true. There's something about the rhythm of running that clears the mind. Sometimes when I run, I'm thinking about things , but most of the time just enjoying the sensations of being out in the fresh air. Good luck with the rest of your journey!

John

[MarybellM in reply to johnm12]

Thank you! I agree with what you say about the rhythm of running. Because I’ve just recently got to the 25 min runs I’m finding myself putting all my effort and focus into the run itself and on keeping going! Therefore I get a break from the worries. And the endorphins and adrenaline must have some role too. Don’t exactly know... but it’s working, so I’ll keep at it! Thanks again.

[Monty89 Graduate]

I would say so yes. I’m a massive worrier and used to stress but since starting this my head is so much clearer. You don’t realise the benefit until you do something like this, self confidence is up, energy levels up, stress reduced and I’m generally just tidier person! I also find running great after a bad day at work. Good luck with the rest of it x

[MarybellM in reply to Monty89]

Thank you Monty. So many replies have echoed these sentiments. I’ll keep running! X

[Beccaaboo]

If exercise could be prescribed as a pill, it would be the most widely prescribed pill in the world.

[iain-strachan Graduate]

No question - it's definitely true. When I first did C25K two years ago I was having a great deal of stress as my mother's Parkinson's and dementia was gradually worsening, and I was having stressful phone conversations with her to get her to take the right pills, and with her surgery/pharmacy to organise medication changes etc etc. I got to the stage of feeling so exasperated and helpless that I found myself thinking "I NEED to go out on this run" (better than "I need alcohol" I guess). Unfortunately just as I completed C25K and did my first Parkrun I put my back out, and within a month we had made the decision to put mum in a care home, sold the house unexpectedly and were plunged into the chaos of sorting out 52 years of accumulated stuff! And I didn't have running as a drug as my back was giving me hell.

Finally took the plunge and redid it this year (there were a couple of abortive attempts), and at end of week 5 am already feeling the mental health benefits. Whereas first time round I was "bricking it" before W5R3, this time I felt totally calm before it last night and found it a doddle. Spent the evening in an endorphine-fuelled (or endocannabinoid-fueled) state of bliss & have woken up this morning feeling energised.

Apparently recent research (see Michael Moseley's "Truth about getting fit" programme on iPlayer) the real reason for the runner's high is endocannabinoids - a natural substance produced in your body that has a very similar effect to cannabis. So going on a run is a bit like smoking a joint!

Only problem is - what the heck am I supposed to do with all this excess energy? Today is the mandated rest day and I'm itching to get out again!

[MarybellM in reply to iain-strachan]

Thanks for sharing that story and the useful info! I’m beginning to be well convinced that this running milarkey will keep me sane.... and I’ll have to put that thought firmly into my head tomorrow morning when I set out for W7R3. I’m still dreading the initial effort...