During this October 2020, we are actively promoting Positive Mental Health. Did you know as little as 10 minutes of running a day can help alleviate depression, stress, and anxiety?
We have gone green again this October and we are encouraging you all to continue running throughout the darker, colder, wetter months not only for physical fitness but also for the amazing benefits it has on your mental health!
Running is an amazing release. You can start a session feeling worried, stressed, upset, anxious, and after only a short while of being outdoors in the fresh air, with other lovely ladies, pushing yourself, chatting or listening to others, increasing your heart rate and releasing natural endorphins it can turn a day around completely.
Running and keeping active also helps you sleep better, eat well, and feel more in control of things around you. All these things will help make you feel better and have a more positive outlook on life. Problems can be tackled with a clearer head, perspective can be gained and empathy for others can be found to help you understand why people are acting in a certain way towards you.
Please also support others during our GREEN month. Encourage those who may be finding it difficult to run, exercise, or socialize, particularly at the moment. Those that are maybe having a hard time at home, work, with families, or feeling physically lethargic. Bring them along with you, send them a message to check they are coming to a session, give them a lift and ask them if they are “ok” when running.
Now here is a fact. If you ask someone once are they alright? They will most likely respond with a yes. If you ask them a second time are they really alright? They are more likely to open up and tell you what’s going on and in turn, you may be able to offer a supportive ear or some advice.
Running is also a great time to chat to others as we don’t run face to face so its not confrontational. We are all equals in our run kit no one is your boss, or your colleague. Open up, chat, enjoy this very special space and unique time together.
At RLJ we are all in it together, life can be tough but running definitely can and WILL help. The only run you will regret is the one you don’t do.
Go Green with us this October, keep running, and help your fellow RLJ members do the same.
We will be offering lots of helpful articles throughout October, positive messages, a special mental health event on Tuesday 20 October with Mental Health First Aider Nicola Semple, helpful hints, and tips to keep us all on track along the way.
Our Unlimited Membership is a great way to help support you along the way. You can run as much as you like for £25 a month. If you are not already on the plan, make October the time to do it. We have a jammed packed timetable with sessions on offer during the daytime, evening, and weekends. There really is something for everyone.
“I still don’t fully understand why lacing up my trainers and getting out there holds back my previously debilitating anxiety, but I don’t think I’m overdoing it when I say running gave my life back. And nobody was more surprised than I was.” Bella Mackie