By Caishnah
There are numerous studies which show the benefits exercise (particularly running) can have on our mental health. The release of endorphins, improved sleep, boosted immune system and numerous other proven benefits should be reason enough to get your trainers on, but sometimes it’s just too hard to summon the energy to do so.
The positive impact running can have on mental health is why SAMH (Scottish Assoc for Mental Health) formally partnered with JogScotland last year. JogScotland is an amazing organisation that currently run 422 local fun, friendly local running clubs throughout the country. The groups are sociable and supportive and fully believe there’s no such thing as ‘too slow’. They run structured programs for all levels including complete beginners (running in bursts of as little as 30 seconds at a time – which I appreciate feels like forever when you’re starting out.
You can find out more about their groups and locate your nearest one over at: https://jogscotland.org.uk/
There is also no better time to start than now with The Calm Zone launching their MatesWhoRun campaign in April. It is designed to encourage you to run with your mates every week in April as you are more likely to stick to an exercise routine with friends than if committing to it by yourself.
Find out more about the campaign at : http://run.thecalmzone.net
So, as you can see, even if it’s something you’ve never tried before, running really can make a huge difference to your mental health and become an important addition to your self care routine. Famous musicians such as Ryan Adams and Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard have enthused about the impact running has had on their mental health and you can watch a short movie about how important trail running has become to Gibbard in this short film: https://youtu.be/DdH98vi3Vss