Take A Walk Outside

“Take a walk outside - it will serve you far more than pacing around in your mind.”

- Rasheed Ogunlaru

When I started dealing with my anxiety and depression my doctors said I needed to do something active. Joining a team sport or going to the gym didn't appeal to me in the slightest. For some reason I chose to try running. I'm so glad I did. I haven't always enjoyed running - when I first started it was really, really hard. I would run out of breath so quickly and my legs would feel weak. I would beat myself up if I had to stop - I wasn't just struggling with self esteem, my body was struggling too.

It started getting easier when I stopped setting goals. I used to run with an app that told me when to take a break and when to push harder. Now I don't care if I run the whole way or for just a few minutes. Just getting out and doing it feels good enough.

I knew being active would be good for my health but I don't think I could ever imagine how good it has been for my mind. When I run, my mind slows down. I still have thoughts pop in to distract my focus but I don't follow their stories for long. I think part of it is because I don't hold my usual high expectations. I'm not training to be marathon runner or trying to get a bikini body. There's no pressure to be the best. The only thing I have to do when I run, is run.

I want to be able to have that mindset when I do other things. When I eat, I want to just eat. Enjoy my food rather than eat it too quickly. When I talk to others, I want to listen properly and pay attention (I can't tell you how much I have missed because I wasn't all there). It takes a lot of reminding and remembering to do it but I know that when I practice being fully present, I can experience things without being distracted by past events or future worries.

And the best thing about running - I don't feel guilty when I eat an extra piece of chocolate!