How mindfulness in movement can benefit your body, mind & spirit…
The goal of mindfulness is to wake up to the inner workings of our mental, emotional, and physical processes. It’s the art of staying in the present, and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, but rather focusing on what you’re doing – now.
For runners, being mindful means paying attention to how their physical sensations, thoughts, and emotions are responding to running, and how they’re all connected.
Mindfulness is doing just that – staying focused on your run, your movements, your body, and your thoughts.
A consistent mindfulness meditation practice can help reduce anxiety, depression, stress, and pain. While simply running can be meditative, if you can tap into the mindfulness aspect of it, then the benefits can be even more pronounced.
“Run the mile you’re in.”
Turn your run into a moving meditation.
Here are a few ways to enhance your mindfulness during your next run.
- Become aware of your breath.
As the breath becomes more forced with physical exertion, our system becomes more fatigued. Try monitoring the breath using an even breath count – whether it’s in 2, out 2 – try to challenge yourself to keep it consistent… and let the breath be part of your moving meditation. - Be in tune with your alignment.
Are you leaning forward? Are you hunched over? Are your knees stable? Take note of how your breath changes as you energize your shoulders back and maintain a straight spine. Whether you’re walking, running or standing, it’s important for your structure (bones, ligaments and tendons) to support your body. - Switch up the scenery.
If your route seems a little routine, set out on a new path. As the saying goes, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” Change encourages healthy adaptation, and is stimulating to the mind, body and spirit.
Use the principles of mindfulness to increase performance and endurance, and help you develop the beauty of presence in each moment.
Need a little more inspiration or guidance? Let one of our wellness professionals help you develop a mindfulness practice that works for your lifestyle and unique interests. We offer a wellness-focused & supportive environment that can help you achieve your goals. Be sure to check our social media and blog updates for regular wellness inspiration, information, offers and support.
The Back 2 Normal blog is an educational resource written by Back 2 Normal employees and professional associates. Back 2 Normal bloggers are professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.
