National Running Day

You may have heard by now, but today is National Running Day. I’ve been seeing some of the cutest little “I run to ___” photos, like “I run to eat French fries", and “I run to drink wine”; speaking to the enormous amounts of calories that running burns, and the subsequent treats you can ingest when you have run hard. We all have our vices, right?

While there are certainly numerous dietary and physical benefits to running, there are other, non-physical benefits as well:

The ability to connect with nature

Sometimes we forget to appreciate the little things that happen so seamlessly all around us like birds singing, trees losing leaves and flowers blooming. We know a little bit about how these things happen, but remembering that they happen on time, season after season, without much human intervention--can help calm stress and remind us that the things we’re hoping for in our lives will happen, and that we’ll continue to grow and move forward from season to season as well. Getting outside in nature for a run lets you get back in touch with the very basic systems that make our universe function.

The ability to connect with a higher power

Whether you meditate, chant or pray--running is an opportunity to connect with your higher power. Running and concentrating on your breath lets you communicate all your problems and stresses without ever saying a word. Your mind gets quiet and your spirit opens up to receive divine guidance.

The ability to connect with yourself

Running is a great way to test your limits. You can discover how fast you can run, or how far you can go--and ultimately, learn how to exercise your mind’s control over your body. There’s no better feeling than the one after you’ve pushed yourself harder than you ever have before. Your endorphins are firing and you are jamming with feelings of positivity and achievement; and these feelings will help you conquer in other areas of your life too.

So why not get out for a run today? Even if you don’t label yourself “a runner”, you can treat yourself to a brisk walk or a slow jog. And you’ll be amazed at how great you’ll feel afterward.

Happy National Running Day!

Image via Pinterest