I don’t know about you, but this last year has meant I’ve needed to up my self-care and stress management plan.

Running has been a part of that plan since I was in my 20s and continues to be now. But I know it’s not for everyone. You could apply this to a walk, a bike ride, even a dance around the kitchen!

My various forms of running therapy include

Running and crying/venting and getting all the angry thoughts out of your head (best done in the woods or early in the morning to avoid being seen as a nutcase!)
Gratitude run - I'll run and thank everything I can think of - from my feet and ankles to my lungs, to the trees, the clouds , the NHS, my family, my clients, my house, my community etc etc etc.
Running on a problem - if I've got a big decision to make I'll run with it in my head but not trying to think about it too hard. Just allow the thoughts to come and go. I've made some big decisions that way.
Running off my stress/worries. This is great done in the rain...as you can let the rain wash it away, but I also like to think of it evaporating or being left behind as I run. Plus it does actually help with metabolising excess cortisol. This needs to be a slow steady run, not something that's going to cause additional stress.
Focus on nature run - get super present and in the moment by noticing the different colours, the different shaped leaves, the birds, what you can hear or smell in the air around you, how does the air feel, what do the clouds look like, I could go on. It can be another great way to leave worries and concerns behind.

My run today was only two miles, I nearly didn't go as I have been feeling shattered, so knew it was important not to push it too hard or I'd make it worse. It was a beautiful morning though so I did one of my shorter loops, and just appreciated the sky.

So, next time you’re feeling a bit low, see if you can find a way to move your body and find a little more of the feel good factor in your life.