Running is cheaper than NOT therapy.
To be clear, if I had opened an article and read that line 2 years ago, I would have promptly loaded up my guns. Running was not only my therapy, but it was also my medicine (really my drug) and I would accept no thoughts contrary to the idea that I was led toward enlightenment every time I laced up.
The truth is that running can be a powerful and effective tool to manage anxiety. It can feel like the magic key that was lost all your life and has finally allowed you to release the walls and find out who you really are behind it all. And by “all” I mean your fears, judgements, worry, obsessions, overactive brain, persistent negative thoughts. Any of it and all of it. It’s no wonder that some of us come to rely on that sweet relief running can bring us, and start to NEED it on a daily basis. The relationship between running and anxiety holds a lot of power in the lives of many runners.
But you see where this can go. Because the relief we experience can be so powerful, we begin to fear losing it. For those with tendencies toward anxiety symptoms, this fear can make us obsess over running or “hoard” running (like getting in as many miles as we can before SOMETHING prevents us from running. Of course then NOTHING stops us and we just keep going.)
We might become very “exact” with our training plan or fixate on changing it completely on a daily or weekly basis. We might run compulsively, unable to stick to a training plan because we just keep adding miles on impulse, or, simply because we “can.” We might be so compulsive that we convince ourselves it’s okay, or even HONORABLE, to run through excruciating pain! I have been there, and I can see it for what it is now. Admirable or honorable is not at all what it is.
Since I have my own history with anxiety I have seen many ways it plays out with running. That’s why I’ve decided to write this series in 3 parts. I am neither here nor there – I do not believe that running should be avoided (it helps so many people cope and experience enjoyment) but I also don’t believe it’s the answer to mental health issues. And, it’s definitely not a replacement for therapy. As a former therapist, a person who’s been in therapy (twice) and a runner, I think this mentality can be dangerous. Real (and effective) therapy will force you to face your pain before it’s worked through, while running can distract from the “real” pain.
If we aren’t self aware, our running can easily become the source of our anxiety and the fear can lead us to further harm ourselves physically and mentally. I do think we should consider all sides to figure out how we can keep our running on the healthier side of the spectrum. I do not plan to stop running (ever!) so it’s very important to me to take steps to keep it a healthy and happy part of my life.
What it Does for Us and Why We Love it
I’m someone who’s experienced many types of anxiety. Social anxiety, obsessive thoughts and behaviors, and panic attacks in childhood were familiar experiences. Physical activity ALWAYS seemed to help ease these feelings, and, the more “still” I was, the worse my anxiety became. There is biology behind this. I won’t go into it because that’s not what I’m here to do, but a google search will direct you to the science behind the phenomenon.
Before I started running, I had already been doing cardio exercise about 30-40 minutes 5 days per week for years. I was already somewhat obsessive about exercise because of how relieving it felt afterwards, but I did not overtrain by anyone’s standards.
I started running during a difficult time in my early 20’s, after college. The #1 thing that hooked me on to running is that when I went out by myself and got into that “zone,” I immediately remembered what it was like to feel like myself, without a cluttered mind. It was like a deep cleaning for my brain, and I came back feeling refreshed and 100% more positive every single time. I felt powerful and mentally strong.
During this period of time, I didn’t push my pace or mileage, but made sure I got in my 5-6 days per week, no exceptions. Yes, this was structured and rigid, but it wasn’t harmful. I felt good about the structure I was creating and I did not take it too far. Running really was a healthy outlet for me – I was loving it and not at all fearing it. My body was healthy and I didn’t feel pressured physically or mentally.
That feeling of relief we get outside and afterwards is not the only reason we love it. We also love it because it’s like the grown-up version of playing house. We create a structure, rules, and a plan that only WE are in charge of and that no one can take away from us. For people that are constantly craving a sense of control in a scary world, what a powerful scenario this is! It’s plain awesome, and man, do we feel so “productive” sticking to our made-up running schedule. We even create a whole running-life for ourselves sometimes.
I’m really not mocking, I truly love this about running. I like that it can be grown-up play time where we make our own rules, enjoy the time spent with the activity and come out feeling powerful. As we often try to remind ourselves when we are stuck somewhere on the OTHER end of the spectrum, this is SUPPOSED TO BE FUN! And great fun it is, especially if you are the type who finds some comfort fixating on numbers, planning runs and mileage, and directing energy at something meaningful. The quick progress we often see in the beginning only hooks us more – we’ve found something that makes us feel great AND we are GOOD at it! Big score.
Sometimes this is the point where we start to fixate on going further and going faster. Or running ALL the races and collecting all the medals. And a few age group awards. Sometimes we get a little TOO excited. I had panic attacks as a child when I couldn’t contain my intense excitement! With running, becoming over-excited can sometimes lead to over-training and even more anxiety about running itself, or over the idea that all runners must face at some point – having to take a break. I’ll talk about all of that next Tuesday, when the topic shifts to the other side of the spectrum.
Food for Thought –
Of all the things you love about running, what’s the biggest hook?
Have you ever experienced anxiety symptoms and has running helped?
What do you think of the “running is cheaper than therapy” quote?
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
February 10, 2015 at 6:44 amAs you know I can totally relate to all of this. I like to think of running as “therapeutic” rather than actual “therapy”. I think it can certainly help to manage anxiety but is no replacement for professional help. Sometimes I wish I could just get the kids I work with to start running because I really think it could help with lots of different mental health problems! Unfortunately in alot of their communities its not safe and they don’t have access to any physical activity programs besides gym at school, but I’m getting off topic!
I do love that running is something I can (usually) control, but the problem is when I don’t have that control over it anymore and it backfires. Its not good to be so dependent on only one thing, so its important to have other options for coping with anxiety and stress.
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 2:16 pmI totally agree that being or feeling dependent on that one thing to keep you feeling calm is where is can go wrong. I do believe there is a way to keep it in a healthy place. I do think running programs for kids, if they’re possible, can be helpful in so many ways.
Skinny Fitalicious says
February 10, 2015 at 7:25 amI can relate to every word in this post. I definitely see running as an outlet to release anxiety, but it’s not a replacement for addressing the root issues. For me, it has in the past become an obsessive behavior when I’m going through something. I’m trying to be more aware of that now obviously after many injuries and pounding away the pain. It’s tough though because you don’t always see that side of yourself while you’re going through it. Being aware at that moment is not easy.
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 2:18 pmSame for me, especially that it’s really hard to be aware in the moment that you’ve crossed the line. I’ll definitely address that in the third part because that self awareness is key to keep running (and probably any exercise) on the healthy side of anxiety management.
Robyn says
February 10, 2015 at 9:06 amYes. such a good post! Running can help anxiety but can also create anxiety. Balance is so much easier said than done, right?! I find that in training for a marathon sometimes it produces MORE anxiety when I can’t get my mileage due to life getting in the way. I hope that when I finish I can just run when I feel like it and not for a specific goal.
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 2:20 pmSO much easier said than done, but I suppose that’s why we talk about it so often! There’s a lot of complexity. I’ve also had the feeling of wanting relief from marathon training, but then often find myself questioning if I’m training enough if there’s no structure or goal.
SuzLyfe says
February 10, 2015 at 9:06 amAs some one with clinical anxiety and depression as well as running injuries, I can tell you that running is not cheaper than therapy, but rather the are complementary. Running and yoga and a life of fitness have helped me regulate my mood so much, but they can also feed the issue by making me anxious!
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 2:23 pmAll so true! Having been at many different points on the spectrum it’s easier to see how running works for and against us. One thing I’ll try to tackle next week is how the anxiety running causes sometimes feels “right” for people who are used to feeling that way. Lots of complexity.
Kirtley Freckleton @ The Gist of Fit says
February 10, 2015 at 9:13 amVery well said! Usually running will get that ‘knot’ out of my stomach which will fix the immediate present–but of course, it doesn’t fix the real issue. Maybe it helps me put into perspective that what I was worried about doesn’t really matter all that much.
But no, running’s not better than real therapy like you said:)
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 2:24 pmI do love how getting out for a long run seems to put things in perspective, at least temporarily, and even lead to “breakthroughs” if you’re out there long enough just thinking! That said, there’s a lot to be careful with here that I’ll go into next week 🙂
Sam @ The Running Graduate says
February 10, 2015 at 9:27 amAs a fellow anxious person, this really hits home for me and I agree with everything you’ve said. Yes, running makes us feel so good. I often come back from runs forgetting I’m in grad school and under piles of work. But then reality hits me again the anxiety just comes back.
It’s so important for runners to realize that while running can be a helpful tool in handling anxiety, therapy is still an important process that’s necessary for many! I’m looking forward to the next couple of posts in this series 🙂
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 2:27 pmReally glad you related to this 🙂 I totally agree with/understand what you’re saying. While running often seems to put things in perspective, it can be a temporary thing and often doesn’t force us to confront the real stuff. Then we wind up feeling like we NEED to run!
Meghan Arnold says
February 10, 2015 at 9:28 amI love running (more like a faster trudge, really) through the woods. It allows me the outside time I need during the workweek without building up the overwhelming need to quit my job and become a hermit in a cabin somewhere. Definitely worthwhile and almost therapeutic for me, but not because of the running, if that makes sense. If I have a bad day at work, getting my outdoors fix is just what I need. It gives me a sense that my problems are very small in the grand scheme of things.
In short, running is just this other thing that I do while the therapy happens. Ha!
Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us in this post.
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 2:32 pmI too love that feeling of perspective that running outdoors can give us! It’s a pretty incredible feeling. I totally know what you mean by running is what you do while the therapy happens. The way our minds can wander on a nice easy run is awesome.
danielle says
February 10, 2015 at 10:55 amsuch a fantastic post! i can relate with this on many levels. i started running regularly my freshman year of highschool – i was 14 and our home life was a bit rough at that time, and i was going through major personal issues regarding self esteem and body image. i didn’t like group activities at the time either but wanted to find a physical activity that got me outside. plus i really needed a way to get out of the house and just clear my mind! so i started jogging around the neighborhood every morning before school… i would get up at 5am and it made me feel so much better. i had no pace or time goals, just felt this huge sense of calm and relief after each run. i know i was really slow, but i never felt tired or injured. i miss those days!
i love running because it still makes me feel grateful and blessed to be able to move my body, even if i can’t ‘run’ all the time. i still love what it has done for me. i also love the running community! getting to know people all over the world who all share this one thing, it’s pretty awesome.
yes, running has been my therapy but when i could not run, i needed real therapy to figure out what to do! seriously though, i realize that i use exercise as therapy and it’s not that great if i can’t do it. so these days i have been exploring some other things like meditation and deep breathing exercises. at the end of the day, i love running and sweating because it just makes me happy. plain and simple joy 🙂
thanks for the awesome posts and inspiration Michele!
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 2:36 pmI can really relate to your experiences 🙂 Finding those “other” things besides exercise that helps manage anxious feelings is key to having a really healthy relationship with running and any exercise! The feeling of “needing” to run is not enjoyable or calming at all. That said, the perspective and joy running can bring is amazing and shouldn’t be forgotten!
misszippy1 says
February 10, 2015 at 11:34 amI am fortunate to never have experienced anxiety. I do work out lots of things on runs, and I think it’s great for that. But I totally agree–it’s not a cure all. There are times when people need real, professional help ala a therapist. Running can help and work as an adjunct, I’m sure, but folks need to recognize when it’s time to turn things over to someone/something more. Great post!
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 2:39 pmSo true that running can really give us that time and distance to work things out in our minds, and I will always love that about it. On the other hand feeling like we NEED that to keep calm makes it seem problematic. I do believe there’s a way to keep it positive even for the most anxious of us.
suzysuzyheather says
February 10, 2015 at 12:41 pmYES YES YES! I relate to all of this. You could have put “Suzy” in front of each sentence. Nothing replaces therapy, for sure. Absolutely. But running 6 days a week with 1 day of psychotherapy IS cheaper than psychotherapy 7 days per week. Our doctors charge $180/hour here. Looking forward to your next anxiety post on Tuesday! Great job.
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 2:40 pmOn that I do agree! 7 days of therapy would also be sending me out for a long run just to escape!
The Cookie ChRUNicles says
February 10, 2015 at 12:47 pmRunning is cheaper than therapy makes sense on a basic level just when we refer to how it makes us feel good (endorphins), settles us down in a way and allows us to sometimes clear our thoughts. But as you say, it’s not a replacement for therapy. And therapy, while on the topic, only works for those who want to make it work. I feel like so many end up in therapy but don’t put in the work. They almost think just going when solve all problems but that’s not the case. The therapist can guide you but until you get down to business with yourself, get real honest and not only want to change but do what needs to be done in order to do so, therapy is useless. Did I just go on a tangent? lol.
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 2:44 pmI like your therapy tangent! It’s very true, and it also relates to running, in that running can be therapeutic but most people aren’t purposefully working on emotional issues while on their runs (I may have on a few runs, but generally speaking 🙂
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
February 10, 2015 at 4:10 pmI think the saying is good in that the endorphins take the edge off of whatever frustrations we are feeling. I think the negative side is that can become an addiciton of sorts too and can happen with any type of exercise for sure.
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 5:59 pmSo true, it’s not just with running at all. Anything that helps us cope can also wind up taking on a life of its own.
Strength and Sunshine says
February 10, 2015 at 5:44 pmI don’t LOVE running enough for it to ever fall into the category of “therapy”. I just love the sense of accomplishment I get after so so so many years of NOTHING! It’s just that moment of…”wait, I can do hard things!”. But I want to keep it fun and light hearted. Too much other things would have to be given up to do some big race and be a big runner that I am just not willing to do.
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 6:01 pmThe feeling of setting a goal and challenging yourself to reach it is so powerful and freeing! Perspective is key, and keeping it fun will keep it healthy too 🙂
Sarah says
February 10, 2015 at 6:32 pmDefinitely have been pulled into the slippery slope of healthy addictions when it comes to running. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. I’m hooked on running because I consider it a part of who I am. I don’t have to give it much thought, I just do it and it makes me feel happy and fulfilled in many ways. It has been my therapy over the years but recently I have become pretty stressed and anxious about some life things. I know if running cant solve it, it must be serious! Like you said, I have even found running perpetuating my anxiety at times and that just stinks :(. Running is so beneficial in so many ways but I absolutely agree its best to get help when you need it. Too much stress on anything leads to cracks in the foundation!
Michele says
February 10, 2015 at 6:46 pmYup, I relate to all you’re saying! Especially that anything that becomes the “only” thing that helps is on shaky ground. Since I really do love running and want it to be a part of my life, keeping it healthy is a priority. I believe it CAN be that way for us!
Nicole@TheGirlWhoRanEverywhere says
February 11, 2015 at 9:49 amI really enjoyed reading this because it gives me a new perspectice on running anxiety. I’m not an anxious person, but my husband is, so reading this helps me understand anxiety a little more. It can be tricky, and at times frustrating when I can’t relate to him on certain things. Thanks for a great post, Michele!
Michele says
February 12, 2015 at 10:48 amGlad you found it helpful/useful even though it’s not something you personally experience. It’s sometimes tough to have empathy when we can’t relate, I think all couples go through that will some things.
Chrissy @ Pink Polish and Running Shoes says
February 11, 2015 at 1:25 pmI feel like this was written about me except with me it’s exercise in general (but heavily focused on running) I totally get it. Great topic!
Michele says
February 12, 2015 at 10:54 amDecided to tackle it since I think many of us can relate. And it definitely doesn’t have to be just about running, many people feel this way with different exercises for sure! Glad you enjoyed/related 🙂
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch says
February 11, 2015 at 1:43 pmI love this. I think the #1 thing I have to learn is that just because symptoms go away for awhile and you think you have them under control, that doesn’t mean you should stop going to ACTUAL therapy. I do that all the time and then when an attack happens I’m scrambling to get in somewhere and talk to someone. Fitness is definitely a huge factor in keeping my symptoms down but, for me, it definitely can’t be everything. Some people need therapy and medication, it’s as simple as that! No judgment for each individual person’s journey.
Michele says
February 12, 2015 at 10:56 amCompletely agree. It requires a lot of self awareness to be able to tell the difference and be honest with ourselves about what we’re experiencing. Fitness can keep us healthy but it can’t be everything. It’s the times I’ve made it “everything” and the only thing that helps where I’ve run into trouble (literally!) And certainly no judgement for what people experience, or toward ourselves.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
February 17, 2015 at 10:40 pmI think exercise is a fantastic source of stress relief and definitely helps me manage my emotions, sleep better, increase my good cholesterol, the list goes on and on. Exercise is awesome and can be a wonder drug when used correctly.
On the flip side, I don’t mind missing a day or three, especially when I can use other, less taxing, forms of therapy to manage my stress: meditation, guided imagery. For me, I don’t want one thing to be my only thing when it comes to stress management. I also don’t want to focus all my energy, which depending on how much you train, can put a lot of stress on the body and bring on adrenal fatigue along with a whole other host of problems. For me, it’s all about balance. Sometimes I teeter and totter one way or the other, but I always seem to get back to the middle ground.
Michele says
February 18, 2015 at 4:29 pmYou really do have a great mindset and balance, healthy for sure and I love the message you spread to others!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
February 18, 2015 at 6:54 pmI’d say with age comes wisdom, but it might just be confidence, since we all know my maturity level is low at best. It took me awhile to get there and even some therapy, but I’m happy now 🙂
Michele says
February 18, 2015 at 7:47 pmConfidence, definitely. I can see huge changes in myself over 10 years, and there’s still much to come! So glad you’re happy 🙂 I don’t think wisdom or confidence are a given with age but like you said in your last comment, experience plus challenging yourself to change do help.