Ah before I start, one of the most inspiring authors that I have enjoyed and reread so often in my life Norman Vincent Peale… and one quote… that will set the trend for today. He never thought a podcaster will use this in his show for running… Ha. “The secret of a better and more successful life is to cast out those old, dead, unhealthy thoughts. Substitute for them new vital, dynamic faith thoughts. You can depend upon it—an inflow of new thought will remake you and your life.” It is widely accepted that aerobic exercise and meditation training are extremely useful behavioral therapies for over anxious runners’. and also…. remediating clinical symptoms of depression. The effects of this study and I will include the link in the show notes…., that by the nearly 40% reduction in depressive symptoms after only 8 weeks of training. Not only did the group in the study report significant reductions in depressive symptoms. Participants also exhibited a significant decrease in self-reported ruminative thoughts, which typically involve repetitive thinking about own worst case memories and negatively stored content from the past. Starting a meditation practice for the first time can be challenging. Most people think of meditation as having to take place while you’re seated, with your eyes closed, which has the potential to be reallyboring even if you’re trying your darnedest to quiet your mind. Many people find that physical movement, and running in particular can naturally have meditative qualities; the repetitive motion and distinct focus can make it easier for you to filter out distracting thoughts. So, why not do both at once? Running meditations can help you double up on self-care. If sitting meditation is more annoying than stretching for you, you’re not alone; a sitting practice is great, but it’s not for everyone. Lots of folks meditate via other means, and many runners, for instance, report the profoundly calming and mind-clearing effects of their daily trek outside. So merging the two practices can work really well. SHOWNOTES: What does this mean for your running? Here some useful links. Your “how to do it” run streak Run 365 Days: Your 365 Day Run Streak Brain Training For Runners’: Your Mental Guide To Better Running. Improve your discipline Accountability Coach. Add swimming to your run Become a better swimmer. Follow us on INSTAGRAM. Follow us on TWITTER. Follow us on YouTube. More about your HOST. Train your BRAIN become a better runner.
January 19, 2023