Mindfulness is a growing practice that helps people become more aware of their thoughts and emotions. It can also be a helpful tool for runners to use during their runs.
Mindfulness can have a number of health benefits, including reducing anxiety and stress. It can also improve performance endurance and reduce the risk of injuries.
Focusing on your breath
During a run, it’s important to take note of your breathing. Practicing deep belly breathing can help you to focus on your breath and get more oxygen into your system, which can improve your performance while running.
Taking breaks during your run can also help you to refocus on your breath. If you’re a beginner, try alternating between working and resting so that you can catch your breath while also giving your body time to recover.
Having a mindful mindset while running can help you enter the runner’s flow state, which is when your mind is free from distraction and you are experiencing the greatest level of performance. This type of state allows you to be present, focused and in the moment while allowing you to feel a sense of accomplishment.
Observing your thoughts
Practicing mindfulness is a skill that can help you stay present and reduce the chances of mindless ruminating or negative thoughts. The practice can also be helpful for runners who experience stress and anxiety during their runs.
While running, focus on your breath and the sensation of breathing and noticing how your body feels as you run. You can do this with every inhale and exhale, or just once a stride.
You might find it easier to do this if you break your run into smaller, more manageable sections. Many people like to break their runs into each ten strides or street, but it’s up to you how you decide to do this.
The key to mindfulness is focusing on what’s happening in the moment and allowing your thoughts to pass without judgment or evaluation. This might feel challenging at first, but it’s not hard to get into the habit.
Observing your surroundings
When running, mindfulness can help you slow down and focus on the things around you. Instead of being distracted by your surroundings, make a point of noticing everything you see as it happens, from the colors and textures to the details of a building’s architecture.
You might also consider observing the people around you, which can help you infer their emotions and moods. For example, if you see a person shaking their hands with sweaty palms, it may indicate that they are nervous or shy.
If you’re in a hurry and your heart is beating faster than usual, observe how that feels compared to how you feel if you were running at a slower pace. Then, decide whether you need to slow down or take a break.
Observation isn’t just for detectives and artists; it can help you with everything from work to a good night’s sleep. It can also make you a more interesting person and inspire you to learn more about the world around you.
Taking a break
One of the most effective mindfulness techniques is taking a break. It doesn’t have to be a long one, but just a moment or two of pausing to enjoy the sensations and sounds of running can help you to focus on your surroundings and improve your performance.
The key is to be able to recognize the signs of your mind wandering, and to gently guide it back to your breath, form or surroundings without judgement.
While mindful running isn’t a cure-all, it does have some health benefits that include improved mood and reduced stress and anxiety. It also helps you to take time for yourself and be less rushed.
You can try mindful running on its own or combine it with other forms of meditation to improve your mental and physical health. It can be especially beneficial if you have more complex conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder. It can be helpful in the early stages of treatment or while you’re waiting for other forms of therapy.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://quietmeditations.com/jack-kornfield-an-american-buddhist-teacher-and-psychotherapist/
