It’s no secret that exercise is a big part of my life. It started out as a way to lose weight and quickly became so much more than that.
We all know the benefits of exercise. From weight loss to improving cardio health and general fitness. However, there’s a lot more to exercise than just the physical benefits.
Whenever I’m feeling stressed, overwhelmed or just in need of an escape, I turn to running. Whether it’s on the trail or just a few laps of the streets where I live, running helps me to clear my mind.
Exercise is a fantastic way to gather your thoughts, de-stress and find your inner calm. It’s that part of the day where I can just be me. When I’m running, I’m not mummy or a wife, I’m just me. I can run where I want, however fast or slow I want.
It really doesn’t matter whether you run a 20 minute 5k or a 60 minute 5k. 5k is 5k regardless of how long it takes you. So, don your trainers and go for a gentle stroll, a jog or a run.
One of my favourite places to run is in the woods near my house. Sadly I haven’t been there for a while due to lockdown and injury (it’s a tad too for me to venture at the moment), but I know by the summer I’ll be back there (lockdown restrictions allowing that is!).
Just being outdoors in the fresh air surrounded by nature really does do wonders for my mental health. Whether it’s bright sunshine like in the photo above or heavy rain, nothing stops me from getting outdoors (well aside from ice. That’s just asking for trouble – or a broken bone!).
I love to find new routes and I’m often amazed at some of the things I come across on my runs. From these cuties…
To obstacles…
And horses…
There’s usually always something interesting to be seen. Do you exercise? I’d love to hear in the comments below.
