If you’re interested in practicing mindfulness while running, there are several benefits to this type of training. Below, I’ll discuss the benefits of mindfulness for runners and a few apps you can use to practice mindfulness while running. We’ll also discuss what mindfulness entails and the specific ways it helps runners improve their running. But first, let’s talk about why mindfulness is important for runners. Let’s start with a definition of mindfulness.
Practicing mindfulness while running
Practicing mindfulness while running means focusing on specific things while you run. It can be as simple as being aware of your surroundings. You can do this indoors, or at a gym, or even in your own home if you are in familiar surroundings. In order to be truly mindful, you should listen to your surroundings and take in sounds, and try to avoid the distraction of music. By focusing on the small things while running, you can increase your running experience.
Besides focusing on the external sensations, you should be aware of your thoughts and feelings. Think about how your breathing feels and how connected your body is to your surroundings. Try to feel how relaxed or tense you are. Many runners swear by the phrase, ‘run the mile you’re in.’ This is an excellent way to practice mindfulness while running because it allows you to know how you’re feeling at that moment.
The benefits of mindfulness while running are numerous. It can boost your performance metrics while improving your mental health and life satisfaction. There are five different ways to practice mindfulness while running. Firstly, you need to destress before your workout. Practice breathing deeply through your mouth and nose. Then, focus on each breath for five repetitions. During your run, repeat the process until you are feeling relaxed and content. Once you’ve practiced this technique, you can move on to more challenging activities.
Benefits of mindfulness for runners
Running can be a stressful experience, so practicing mindfulness before a run can help you stay calm and focused during the run. To do this, focus on breathing deeply through the nose and mouth. If running is too hard, use one hand on your chest and the other on your belly to keep your breathing deep and even. Take five to six deep breaths before running, focusing on steady inhales and exhales through the nose.
In addition to running outdoors, practicing mindfulness is easier. You’ll engage more senses in the outdoors. Trail running, for example, is a great place to practice mindful running. While you’re focusing on the trail, you’ll also be paying attention to the terrain and avoiding stumbling. This allows you to enjoy nature, but keep in mind that you should not focus on everything you see and hear during a run. Focus instead on a specific aspect of the environment.
Running mindfully will help you achieve a state called ‘flow’, which makes the activity more enjoyable. It will also activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is your body’s rest-and-digest function. This will relieve stress and promote sleep hygiene, which is essential for recovery for athletes. If you’re interested in learning more about mindfulness training and how it can benefit you and your training, read this article.
Apps that help you practice mindfulness during a run
There are several mindfulness apps for runners out there. However, none are very specific to the sport. Generally, the benefits of mindfulness are the same for runners of all levels. For starters, using a mindfulness app will make you aware of the various external factors around you. You can pay attention to the firmness of the ground, the undulations, the surrounding sound, obstacles, and weather conditions. You can also practice mindfulness while running by incorporating meditation into your daily routine.
MyLife, formerly Stop, Think, Breathe, focuses on a deliberate experience of mindfulness. It asks you to “Take a Breath” every day, rate your body and mind, and record up to five emotions. Based on your responses, you can find guided meditation sessions tailored to your specific needs. You can choose the duration of each session, so you can fit mindfulness into your daily routine.
Run Mindful – This app offers a series of guided meditations that you can follow while running. You can follow Tim Olson’s instructions or pick other meditation guides. Some of the topics covered in Run Mindful are Gratitude, Motivation, Body Scanning, and Anxiety. The app doesn’t interfere with earphones and offers long moments of silence. If you don’t have a meditation app, you should consider downloading the Headspace app.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://quietmeditations.com/how-to-stop-worrying/
