Shakeout: Mental Health Days
Running for life
I’ve noticed an uptick in a specific kind of schlocky marketing emails that flood my inbox. Rather than trying to sell me the latest tech/gear/whatever, they’re trying to convince me that they truly and honestly care about my mental well being. How comforting. It must be Mental Health Awareness Month again.
When you’re someone who manages their mental health on a daily basis, the idea that a specific month is the moment to address such things rings hollow and false. Especially when it’s coming from a brand trying to sell us the latest tech/gear/whatever as a panacea for anxiety/depression/whatever, it just feels tawdry and gross.
Besides, as runners we already have everything we need. Like many people, one of my primary mental health buffers is simply going for a run. While a physically challenging effort can be beneficial for the brain, when I’m feeling frazzled and fried, a nice easy-paced run without fitness goals or lofty aspirations tends to help refocus my attention and recenter my life.
Yet, running can’t be the only thing that keeps me balanced. My body also needs plenty of sleep and quality nutrition. My mind likes to sit in meditation for 15-20 minutes a day. Nature walks, yoga, Pilates, reading books, listening to music, spending time with friends and family rather than devices … the list goes on and on.
We don’t need a special month to prioritize taking care of ourselves. We can start doing that today and every day. For anyone struggling right now, keep making the effort. Keep showing up for yourself. I’m always here to pick you up when you need an assist.
In this week’s shakeout, we dive into a progression with progressive pickups (trust me, it will make sense). Plus, a resistance band workout that will build functional strength while getting you ripped and toned.