Has your child considered running as an outlet?
Would running enhance your life?
Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.~
Running gives so many benefits to anyone interested in maintaining their good health. It could be the perfect option for someone in recovery.
For most of my adult life, until recently, I’ve enjoyed running. Now, I take long walks for exercise because of some issues with my knees.
I have loved running and recommend it to anyone looking for a healthier lifestyle.
I started running in my 20s when I worked for Levi Strauss. We would run down the Embarcadero in San Francisco during our lunch hour. What I loved about running, was the simplicity. Grab some workout clothes, and a good pair of running shoes and you are off.
I wasn’t one to run in races throughout the years. Usually running was a way to exercise and stay fit. It makes you feel like you’ve done something positive for your body.
I have run the Bay to Breakers several times, and the Wharf to Wharf in Santa Cruz, which is a fun race. Several days after my dad died, I ran in his honor in a race through Newport Beach.
I ran the Orange County Half Marathon with my daughter a few years back. That was a great experience. Running through Newport Beach and ending up in Costa Mesa was a beautiful run.
I have enjoyed the few races I participated in, but running is much more than that. It’s a way to keep my mind and body strong. It makes me feel calm and relaxed. For several hours after running I can still feel the energy from the endorphins, or as they say, the runner’s high. My heart is pumping, and my blood is flowing. It’s a healthy feeling.
For those in recovery, it is essential to have a replacement so that you are filling the void.
Becoming a runner has helped many change their life.
I recently read “Positive Addiction,” by William Glasser. Some of the ideas about addiction have changed since this book was written. The idea that a positive habit can replace a harmful addiction is still very relevant.
We drink, smoke, and eat too much because it’s easier than disciplining ourselves to say no. ~ William Glasser
According to Dr. Glasser, a positive addiction needs to fill the following criteria:
Dr. Glasser explains the difference between a positive addiction and a negative addiction.
A positive addiction increases mental strength, and an unhealthy addiction saps strength from every part of your life. A negative habit feels good but does harm. A positive addiction can feel bad but does good.
A negative addiction is so powerful and challenging to break because it relieves the pain of our failure to find love and worth. Also, it provides an intensely pleasurable experience.
Running, he says, is the hardest but the surest way to positive addiction. It is our most ancient and still most effective survival method.
Running, perhaps because it is our most basic solitary survival activity, produces the non-self–critical state more effectively than any other practice.” – William Glasser
In “Positive Addiction” people share their feelings about running.
We were not born to sit around. We were born to be active. If you are positively addicted to what you do, you will live a long life and enjoy every moment.
Think about running. It could make a difference in your life.
Are you a runner, or are you interested in becoming one? How has running helped you in your recovery? Please share in the comments below.
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