We are finally seeing the first signs of Spring – the rebirth and clean slate for Mother Nature to shine in all her glory. It makes us think about more. More sunshine, more daylight, more flowers blooming, more time outside, more yard work, more time to exercise so we can shed the “more food” we ate this winter. More activities and more commitments will bring more into our lives but the one thing more also brings . . . is more stress.
We run to give our children more. We run so we can fit more into each day. We run so we can be more, do more and have more. We also run to maintain our sanity because all the running we do makes us feel overwhelmed at times and the solitude, fresh air and adrenaline we get from a good run releases much more than sweat. It releases the anxiety, the stress, the feeling that we are doing too much.
Thank goodness for a pair of running shoes, a sun filled day and an hour to be selfish! On your next run, think about all that you are running for. Is there a commitment you can say no to or an activity you can take off your plate? Is there a weight on your shoulders you can release? By taking on less, you are actually gaining more. More time for yourself, more time to transition, more time to daydream and make a plan for your next step. So put on those running shoes, soak up some vitamin D, and contemplate “less is more”.