There is a part of me, that feels anxious. There is a part of me that is based in fear and discomfort. Overcoming that part of me, the dimension of anxiety, is possible by running. This post will tell the story of how to overcome anxiety with running.
5 Rules for Overcoming Anxiety with Running
It’s easy to say, “you can overcome anxiety!” and make as many claims as I can because the internet is a vast and never-ending source of information.
My goal in writing this is to speak to the woman in her 20’s, stressed about school, work, personal life, finances, and relationships, and provide her some tools for gaining insight and empowerment over the part of her that is anxious.
I speak from experience. I speak the love of wisdom (philosophy) from my heart, and hope that these 5 rules for overcoming anxiety with running are helpful to someone else.
#1 Acknowledge the Anxiety as a part of you.
The first rule, is to release the control of anxiety over all of you. Our beliefs about ourselves often show up as statements we say to others without being aware of our words.
Catch yourself! PIVOT! Choose again.
Being careful of your words is a very powerful technique that is taught by Abraham-Hicks. The influence of their teaching is not singular.
The choose again, method comes from Super Attractor.
Creating space for the part of you that is powerful to be let in, will ease the feeling of anxiety allowing it to be easier to come out of that feeling and into one of joy.
I am anxious.
A part of me is feeling anxious.
Try saying these statements to yourself, and as you say them, notice how you feel.
Do you feel restricted and closed off?
Do you feel empowered and open to new ways of being?
Is there more space for your true authentic self to breath within the first statement? NO! In the second one? YES!
#2 Be Aware of Your Thoughts
I tell myself I am inconsistently consistent with running, which is how I see the reality of my training.
This thought is flawed, in that it negates (leaves out) the accomplishments of running FIVE, yes, FIVE, 10km races in 4 years. That’s pretty consistent if you ask me.
If you focus on the reality of what has been, you are living in the past.
If you focus on what could be you are fantasizing about the future.
The inspiration comes from being where you are, and understanding that tomorrow can be better, and right now is what matters.
Wayne Dyer says change the way you look at things and the things you look at change. This relates back to perspective.
Your perspective is fluid, flexible, and can be owned by you, or influenced wildly by the things around you.
Be willing to own your perspective.
#3 Always Appreciate Your Physical Body
I write this as a rule because I am deliciously appreciative of the body I have as capable and able to allow me to run.
Not everyone has that luxury.
As I take every step on the treadmill I thank my legs for being able to move me, and to release the tension from my physical body.
I visualize my legs getting stronger, and my body getting leaner. I feel the endorphins and good feeling thoughts that come when I am stepping, running, and pushing my physical self on the treadmill.
#4 If It Stops Feeling Good, Stop Doing It!
I remember fighting myself in high school for the morning track and field practices.
At one point, my mom suggested I do a yoga class. A change of pace helped me realize how much joy running brings!
I loved my yoga class for three reasons;
- I was the youngest person in the class.
- It was natural for my body to get into the poses.
- The teacher adored me, which is always a nice feeling.
The essence of the story is to change pace if you feel as though you need to. It’s all up to you, and owning that is a part of the journey.
#5 Choose to Overcome Anxiety with Running
The last rule for how to overcome anxiety with running, is to start believing that running is freeing!
When you run, you enter this place of freedom, of zen, of peace, and of joy!
There is so much power in entering this area of freedom while running and then taking that with you throughout the day.
Remember…
These are rules that work for me, and the anxious part of me that I have conquered. It still exists. It still gets triggered and overcomes me.
The point is to be aware of it, and know how to overcome it when it does take control and bring yourself back to centre.
Blessings!
With love and light,
Stay true, stay weird
Thank you for reading.
~~ Kristina