The Mental Health Benefits Of Running

Before 2016 I had little interest in fitness. A trip to China, including hiking the Great Wall, changed my perspective. Back in London I started a work running club that met Monday evenings, and found that running improved both my physical health and my mental wellbeing.

In August 2017 I joined a local running club, which proved instrumental in my personal development — the social connections gave me community, belonging and purpose. Any form of activity can have a positive impact on your mental health; this could include gardening, walking or yoga.

Since joining, I've completed three marathons, the three peaks challenge, cycled around a mountain in Malawi, raced obstacle course events, and finished my first triathlon within six months.

Running isn't a cure for psychological challenges, but it's been an effective coping mechanism for managing anxiety and panic attacks — mental preoccupation diminishes as focus shifts to physical sensations and the environment. Explore different activities to discover what brings you joy, whether that's intensive training or simply enjoying outdoor movement.