6 Ways Running Heals Heartache
You know going for a run is great exercise, but did you know it’s also good for a broken heart? Here are 6 ways running heals heartache.
It seems that there are two camps when it comes to Valentine’s Day, the I-hate-this-commercialized-holiday-and-I-will-tell-people-I-love-them-whenever-I-dang-well-feel-like-it camp and the I-love-this-holiday-and-I-will-tell-the-world-I-love-them-and-eat-all-the-conversational-hearts camp.
It doesn’t seem like there’s much in between. I happen to lean more toward the camp proclaiming love to the world. I think it’s sweet to have a dedicated day to tell people how much you love them and I love a good excuse to eat chocolate-covered strawberries!
But approaching Valentine’s Day as a single person is a little different.
It’s not terrible. I have plans with girlfriends and I’ll still have heart-shaped things and hopefully chocolate-covered strawberries, but there’s a certain level of sadness that comes with the holiday when you want to have a someone special in your life and you’re reminded by billboards, commercials, cards, radio stations, and grocery store displays that you don’t have that someone there right now.
There’s a little bit of heartache.
The day after my last breakup a couple months ago, I had to run.
I really didn’t know why at the time, I just knew that I needed to. I needed to outrun my racing thoughts and get space from my feelings and do something that completely exhausted me so that I could just get a break from the turmoil.
So, I did just that.
I laced up my running shoes, leashed Boots, and ran.
I ran until I couldn’t run anymore. Then I walked. And as soon as I caught my breath, I ran some more.
Before that day, I had only been running 2 miles about once a week and that day, I ran 4.5 miles.
The farthest I had ever run.
And as I ran, my thoughts cleared. The knot in my stomach loosened.
By the time we got back to my front door, the situation hadn’t changed at all, but my outlook sure had. The sky seemed a little bit bluer and I felt lighter.
The weight I had been carrying on my shoulders going into my run had been shaken off somewhere along the way.
After a little more analyzation and research (because it’s not enough to know that something works…I want to know why), here are the reasons I believe that running can help heal heartache:
1. Running makes you happier.
I’m not just saying it made me happier that one day. Science actually proves it’s effectiveness!
Not only does running release endorphins that minimize feelings of pain and elevate feelings of euphoria, but it also releases serotonin (a chemical that regulates mood), which can increase your mood and help people recover from mild depression. (1)
The first step out the door is the hardest, especially when you’re feeling down, and you may not enjoy the run itself, but that feeling after a run is hard to beat.
2. A run gets you out of the house.
It would be very easy to hole up under a blanket inside the safety of your home, but the UV rays in the sunlight outside actually help to give you a dose of vitamin D, which also helps to boost your serotonin levels (2).
The fresh air makes you feel more alive and it gives you energy and a “heightened sense of well-being.” (3)
I drive past the same mountains and cacti every day, but when I run, I actually appreciate them.
The mountains seem more majestic. I notice the different kinds of spines on the plethora of cacti around.
The other day, in less than 3 miles, I saw 4 butterflies cross my path. There’s beauty and peace out there if you look for it.
3. Running gets your mind unstuck.
When your heart is breaking, it’s really easy to replay the same situation a million and one times in your mind and think of a never-ending list of hypothetical “shoulda coulda wouldas,” but that cyclical thinking doesn’t get you anywhere.
Running actually increases your cognitive functioning.
It actually causes your body to create new brain cells and keep the ones you have healthy, which is just you’re your mind needs to break out of its repetitive rut of unproductivity. (4)
Physical progress is similar to mental progress – the only way to reach your goal is to keep going forward, one step at a time, one thought at a time.
4. It makes you healthier.
The health of your body has a lot to do with the health of your emotions (5).
That feeling of your heartbreaking may not actually indicate that your anatomical heart is ripping in half, but it sure can bring all kinds of unwanted stress and emotional responses and those negative emotions can wreak havoc on your body.
You can’t always control the things that break your heart, but you can control some of the ways you respond to stress.
By choosing to run, you’re boosting your immune system.
5. Running boosts your confidence.
Not only is running helpful for losing weight and gaining muscle, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment.
In running, there are endless goals to set, work toward, and achieve.
Every time I run, whether I’m going farther or faster, I’m adding one more run to my training log, which is an accomplishment in and of itself.
Also, running pants can be really flattering.
And sometimes attractive guys make small talk with you as you run by.
6. It builds community.
You always have the option of running solo, which can be very therapeutic, but there are also endless ways to connect with other runners for support and encouragement.
Join a local running group, run with a friend, join a running meet-up, or just look around the internet.
I’ve connected with other runners on Instagram, Twitter, message boards, and blogs.
More meaningful relationships equate to more people in your life to build you up, warding off that loneliness.
If you’re falling into the pre-Valentine’s Day rut, instead of collapsing on your couch with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and a chick-flick, try grabbing your running shoes and hitting the trail.
Wishing you a happy and healthy heart this Valentine’s Day!
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2) Korb, Alex, PhD. “Boosting Your Serotonin Activity.” Psychology Today. N.p., 17 Nov. 2011. Web. 08 Feb. 2015.
4) McGovern, MK. “The Effects of Exercise on the Brain.” The Effects of Exercise on the Brain. N.p., Spring 2005. Web. 08 Feb. 2015.
5) “Mind/Body Connection: How Your Emotions Affect Your Health.” Family Doctor. N.p., Dec. 2010. Web. 03 Feb. 2015.
This is amazing, Becky. You’ve got a great attitude about it all. I hope your Valentine’s day ended up being fun and special. 🙂
Aww, I love this post and I agree with what goodbear said above, haha! I definitely know that running helps when I’m going through a depression cycle, the serotonin is great but you’re right, getting myself out the door is the hardest part, even when I know it’ll make me feel better.
great post. running heals from loss. i wrote a piece titled ‘run for rescue” that was actually printed! about this topic.. i couldnt sit, coudlnt be at home, i would go to the gym and cry on the treadmill when i coudln’t run outside… so.. i ran signed up for my first half marathon in YEARS and raised $ for a local no kill rescue.. raised more than i had expected… and realized it i helped more than the grp i raised $ for. the love and support got me threw one of THE most difficult times in my life…
Great post! Soooo much better than sitting around eating a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies. Plus, the next time an ex sees you, you look amazing!