How Running Has Transformed My Life: A Personal Journey of Self-Improvement

المفاهيم الأساسية

Running has not only improved my physical health but also significantly enhanced my mental well-being by reducing emotional reactivity, improving my ability to cope with failure, and providing a healthy source of euphoria.

الملخص

This is a personal essay by Arun Balasubramaniam about the transformative impact of running on his life. He recounts his journey since starting a couch-to-5k program in April 2023, highlighting the positive changes he's experienced.

Relaxing a Highly Sensitive Side

Balasubramaniam, a self-proclaimed highly sensitive person, discusses how running has helped him manage the downsides of sensitivity, such as emotional reactivity. He attributes his newfound calmness and ability to take things lightly to his running routine, suggesting a possible link to a lower resting heart rate. He emphasizes that this positive change hasn't diminished his capacity for empathy.

Failure & Moving On from Rumination

The essay explores how running has taught Balasubramaniam to cope with failure more effectively. He points out that running involves frequent setbacks, but the need to turn up the next day and try again has instilled in him a valuable lesson about moving on from setbacks without dwelling on them. This newfound resilience has translated to other areas of his life, enabling him to let go of past negative experiences.

Runner's High is Awesome (But I need to be careful)

Balasubramaniam enthusiastically describes the "runner's high" as a real and positive experience, likening it to a healthy addiction. He acknowledges the importance of moderation and not letting the dependence on this feeling become unhealthy. He contrasts this positive "addiction" with his past experiences with alcohol, highlighting running's superiority as a healthy coping mechanism.

Nothing rewards like Discipline.

The essay emphasizes the importance of discipline in running, stating that consistency and focus on the basics yield noticeable progress. This sense of accomplishment, coupled with the runner's high, creates a positive feedback loop. Balasubramaniam details how the discipline he cultivated through running has positively impacted his diet and overall health, making it easier to resist unhealthy temptations. He aspires to replicate this discipline in other aspects of his life.

Suite of Armour

Balasubramaniam concludes by comparing running to a "suit of armor," providing him with the resilience and mental fortitude to face life's challenges. He reiterates the significant positive impact running has had on his well-being, particularly as a highly sensitive person.

الإحصائيات

18 months since starting running
5 half-marathons completed
Over 12 kgs of weight lost
Over 1300 kilometers run in 2024

اقتباسات

"Somehow the running habit has calmed me down a lot and allowed me to take things lightly."
"Turning up every day is the toughest task and is half the battle won."
"The runner’s high is real and is one of the best feelings one can experience in the world."
"Sometimes I wonder and often joke about the fact that I am a drug addict, it is just that running is my drug."
"The euphoria of the reward for self-improvement far outweighs that of any junk food."
"Running is one such sport where if you stay disciplined and get the basics right, you will be able to see yourself progress quite a bit."
"The habit of running for me is a bit like that for me. It’s where I armour myself to face my challenges better."

الرؤى الأساسية المستخلصة من

How has the habit of running impacted me?

by Arun Balasub... في medium.com 10-07-2024

https://medium.com/@arunkbalasubramaniam/how-has-the-habit-of-running-impacted-me-389000fe6dd4

استفسارات أعمق

How can individuals who are unable to participate in high-impact exercises like running achieve similar mental health benefits through other activities?

While running provides the author with a sense of euphoria, stress relief, and mental clarity, it's not a universally accessible activity. Individuals with physical limitations or those who simply prefer other forms of exercise can achieve similar mental health benefits through a variety of alternative activities.

Low-impact exercises: Activities like swimming, cycling, yoga, and Pilates offer excellent cardiovascular workouts and stress reduction without putting excessive stress on joints. These exercises can also improve flexibility, balance, and mindfulness, contributing to overall well-being.
Mind-body practices: Engaging in practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and Tai Chi can induce relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional regulation. These practices cultivate a mind-body connection, fostering self-awareness and emotional resilience.
Creative pursuits: Expressing oneself through art, music, writing, or other creative outlets can be incredibly therapeutic. These activities provide an outlet for emotions, reduce stress, and foster a sense of accomplishment and self-discovery.
Nature and the outdoors: Spending time in nature has been proven to have significant mental health benefits. Activities like walking, hiking, or simply relaxing in a natural setting can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote feelings of peace and tranquility.
The key is to find activities that bring joy, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Experiment with different options and discover what works best for your individual needs and preferences.

Could the author's positive experience be attributed to a placebo effect, and wouldn't a more holistic approach to mental well-being be more sustainable in the long run?

While the placebo effect could play a role in the author's positive experience with running, it's unlikely to be the sole factor. Running, like other forms of exercise, triggers physiological changes in the brain, including the release of endorphins, which have mood-boosting and pain-relieving effects. Furthermore, the discipline, goal-setting, and sense of accomplishment associated with running can contribute to increased self-esteem and a sense of mastery over one's life.
However, a holistic approach to mental well-being that encompasses various aspects of life is undoubtedly more sustainable in the long run. Relying solely on one activity, even one as beneficial as running, might lead to imbalances or neglect other essential areas.
A holistic approach might include:

Nutrition and Diet: A balanced and nutritious diet provides the foundation for optimal physical and mental health.
Sleep Hygiene: Prioritizing quality sleep is crucial for emotional regulation, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
Social Connections: Nurturing meaningful relationships and social connections provide support, reduce feelings of isolation, and contribute to a sense of belonging.
Stress Management Techniques: Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress, such as mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, or seeking professional support, is essential for navigating life's challenges.
In essence, while running can be a powerful tool for enhancing mental well-being, integrating it into a broader framework that addresses multiple facets of life will likely yield more sustainable and long-lasting benefits.

If we view personal growth as a journey, what other "vehicles" besides running can help us navigate the challenges and triumphs along the way?

If personal growth is the journey, then life offers a diverse fleet of "vehicles" beyond running to help us navigate its terrain.

Lifelong Learning: Embracing a mindset of continuous learning, whether through formal education, pursuing new skills, or exploring different perspectives, keeps our minds engaged and fosters adaptability in a changing world.
Meaningful Relationships: Cultivating strong and supportive relationships with family, friends, mentors, and romantic partners provides a network of love, guidance, and encouragement to help us through challenging times and celebrate our successes.
Self-Reflection and Mindfulness: Taking time for introspection through journaling, meditation, or simply quiet contemplation allows us to understand our values, motivations, and aspirations, guiding us towards a more fulfilling life.
Goal Setting and Pursuit: Setting clear and achievable goals provides direction and motivation, pushing us beyond our comfort zones and fostering a sense of accomplishment as we progress.
Resilience and Adaptability: Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Developing resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, and adaptability, the capacity to adjust to change, equips us to navigate challenges with greater ease and emerge stronger from adversity.
Contribution and Service: Finding ways to contribute to something larger than ourselves, whether through volunteering, activism, or simply acts of kindness, can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment to our lives.
Just as the author discovered the transformative power of running, we each have the opportunity to explore the diverse "vehicles" available to us, choosing those that resonate with our values and aspirations to embark on a fulfilling journey of personal growth.