Running Down the Trauma
There are many ways for someone to exercise their body and mind while dealing with trauma. While some choose to do yoga, meditate, or strength training, others choose to go running to clear their mind. Running allows an individual an escape from any negative stress and anxiety that could be going through their head throughout the day. While running you allow yourself to regain control of your mental state in various ways similar to yoga and meditation. This includes regulating your breathing to help lower stress hormones by setting the pace that’s comfortable for you, deciding how far you want to go for distance, and if you need to stop to catch your breath or stretch. Running not only allows you to be in control of your physical movements, but it also allows you to mentally heal. As one article explains, “Research has started to demonstrate that aerobic exercise not only increases levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are important neurotransmitters involved in thoughts and emotions, but that it may also combat the effects of stress and anxiety on the brain.” (Anderson, 2016.)
I have been running for more than half my life, whether it be 3 miles or 10 miles I always find myself re-focusing when I’m running. The idea of constantly moving progressively faster each step and improving your speed and distance threshold are goals that bring a ton of mental satisfaction. Running has also created more healthy habits such as keeping up with a healthy diet, being active, and creating friendly social bonds with other who enjoy running culture and help one another to achieve your goals. All of these bring a healthy mindset and allow you to heal from trauma. That being said running is a challenge and is not for everyone. Other methods that are slower pace such as yoga and meditation are great options as well if you decide running isn’t for you. All of these are great active options to help one heal as opposed to the reliance on medication.
References
Running Through Trauma | Psychology Today 2016 Katrina Anderson