I recently discovered the power of mindful running during my treadmill sessions. Instead of drowning out my thoughts with music or podcasts, I focused on my breathing and had a productive brainstorming session. This practice has transformed all of my runs, both indoors and outdoors.
Before you assume I’m a seasoned runner breezing through every mile, think again. Starting from square one every year, mile one is always a struggle for me. So why ditch the motivating music or other distractions?
Experts In This Article
- Joel Frank, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist, and founder of Duality Psych Services
My journey to mindful running began with outdoor runs. Safety was my primary reason for eliminating distractions. I wanted to be fully aware of my surroundings. Through this undistracted running practice, I found psychological benefits that are worth exploring, even when running indoors.
Let’s explore why we crave distractions during runs
Licensed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist Joel Frank, PsyD, explains that it’s natural to seek distractions during challenging tasks. Our brains instinctively divert attention from discomfort towards pleasurable stimuli.
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During times of discomfort, distractions serve as an escape route, allowing us to momentarily defer strain and exertion,” Dr. Frank elaborates.
While running can be challenging, instead of seeking amusement, mindful running encourages us to embrace the difficulty and focus on our body and surroundings. This undistracted practice offers a range of psychological benefits that are worth exploring.
Benefits of mindful running
Aside from safety benefits, engaging in undistracted running can offer various advantages:
- Meditation: Running without distractions can serve as a moving meditation, allowing individuals to connect with their thoughts and emotions without external influences. The rhythmic pattern of running and controlled breathing anchors runners in the present moment.
- Stress relief: Mindful running can act as a powerful stress reliever, aiding in releasing tension and promoting mental well-being alongside physical exercise.
- Mood boost: By triggering the release of endorphins, distraction-free running can enhance emotional stability and create a more positive mental state, often referred to as the ‘runner’s high.’
- Better running performance: Mindfulness during running improves performance by allowing individuals to fully focus on their breathing, cadence, and overall form without distractions.
- Process difficult emotions: Mindful running can help individuals cultivate emotional resilience, handle stress effectively, and enhance overall well-being by fostering a deeper relationship with their thoughts and feelings.
- Innovation and creativity: Mindful running can stimulate creativity and problem-solving by providing a distraction-free environment for ideas to flow and perspectives to shift.
- Respite from busyness: In a fast-paced world, mindfulness in running can serve as an anchor, allowing individuals to engage more deeply with themselves and their surroundings.
How to get started with mindful running
Experiment with undistracted running on your shortest run. Pay attention to your breathing, form, and the feeling of each step. Allow your mind to wander and unwind during the run.
If distraction-free running doesn’t feel right initially, give it time and try again as your running capacity improves. While a motivating playlist has its benefits, mindful running has become an essential component of my fitness routine, offering a space for stress relief and mental clarity.
