Running 🏃🏽‍♀️

It has been observed that during the current quarantine, many people have been seen running or jogging, many more than the normal times. And it has been said that many of them, were never seen running before that. However can we really judge these people. Staying at home with no physical activities and with the main focus of eating. We know how hard it has been mentally to not have any social life and gain weight every single day. Other than helping to be fit, running has always been known to reduce anxiety and stress, things that we have all gone through during this period. At the same time, getting some sun and running help to boost our immune system and to prevent the virus to reach us, we have all been told to keep our immune system strong. Therefore can we really judge the people?

I may be considered as one of these people though I have a very long story with running. I have loved running since early age - participating in all running activities; even if I was not the best during my teenage years. Then I have always loved to go jogging with my parents on the seaside where I used to live. It was a beach side with very less people at the beach but with many fishermen. We would wake up at 5 am and all go towards the beach. Also, during my school holidays, I would always go on a hike to a nearby mountain with my school friend. As easy as it may seems, it was very difficult as the mountain road was very much steep but the view of the city at the end was the rewarding one. I believe the most fun was going on several hiking journeys with my friends, even during bad weather where we would fall down in the mud and then later go clean ourselves in the natural lakes. All that to say that the runs, hikes or stroll have always been easier with a group of peopl.

My journey to running alone started when I went to study in Paris, it was also one of the way I discovered Paris in a much deeper way. The weather there was not helping and I had to find myself back in an unknown city. I started going to run every weekend, every time a new side of the river. And then I started to increase my pace by going as well some afternoon; it was always very much entertaining seeing people singing, dancing, doing their shows and even the sunset was always something to see.

It has been now two years since I did not run - from being extremely busy with my work, working from early morning to late hours and with weekend left to rest after a long week, I did not get the time nor the motivation to run.

This quarantine has helped me go back to running. With anxiety rising, and not being able to sleep properly; I knew I had to give y body that pump in blood circulation. I started going in the evening, just at Sunset; however there was so many people. I had to be connected to myself again, to feel every single emotions. I now started to run at Sunrise - what a pleasure to do so. I am not a morning person and therefore it is very difficult. However once I step out and see the sun rising up, it gives me the motivation I need. I see very few people, but I get to see the world rising up. The air is fresh and no annoying noise which makes the run easier.

Can you spot the similarity - the water side, the nature and the silence.

Tip 1:The best way to start running is to find the atmosphere you want to run in. Some people love to run in the busy city center while some prefer the forest side. For me, I find it best to run along a water side.

Tip 2: it is always hard to begin, it is always hard to wake up from the couch and start running. But once you start, the feeling is just great. Just make the step outside, if it still does not feel right, you can always go back home.

Tip 3: Listen to your body, if your body is tired, do not force it, you can always start tomorrow. On the other hand, whenever the motivation is not here, think of how good you felt after a run, it will automatically make you change your mind.

Whether it is on a treadmill, at home, in the forest, along the bridge, running is always a great idea for your own well being. Whether you are running, jogging or just walking, it will bring you so much benefits to your body. So let's start, be it 10 minutes or one hour. Do not forget, 10,000 steps daily is the aim!

#running #fightinganxiety #steps #walking #nature #blog #lifestyle