Running is Not My Therapy
I absolutely love running. It has brought so much joy to my life and has taken me in a direction I had never imagined. It certainly has been therapeutic. But running, is not my therapy.
The research is unequivocal. Running, or endurance sport in general can be as therapeutic or more therapeutic as medication. Research has demonstrated that endurance sports can be helpful in managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. A recent randomized controlled by Verhoeven et al (2023) indicated a strong likelihood that running was as therapeutic or more therapeutic than anti-depressants. That’s an awesome finding! But what you didn’t hear in the media and social media for sure, is that participants ALSO had access to psychotherapy, which many participants took advantage of.
What Can Running Do?
Running does an amazing job targeting the release of endorphins, reducing stress hormones like cortisol. It can provide almost immediate relief from tension and improve mood through our body’s nature reward system (the same amazing neurochemicals that trigger flow and the feeling of being in the zone).
What About Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy on the other hand addresses the behaviors and underlying emotional issues and thought patterns. Psychotherapy is a safe place to explore feelings and gain insight allowing you to work through unresolved issues, develop self-awareness and create an opportunity for long-term behavior change.
Surface versus Depth
Running obviously can offer relief and great booster of mood. But it doesn’t scratch the surface to deeper psychological issues. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is going to delve into the underlying factors that contribute to emotional struggles.
Social Support vs. Professional Guidance
Running with groups offers tremendous social support and community. Social support and connection are the foundations of resilience, motivation, and even self-efficacy! And something as therapist I would strongly recommend. But social support alone is not a substitute for professional guidance of a licensed psychotherapist who can offer individualized support tailored to person’s specific needs. Psychotherapy provides structured interventions and evidence-based techniques to address mental health concerns.
Self-Care vs Treatment
Running can be a valuable source of self-care and stress-management. Physical activity like running or meditation practices and yoga are all associated with awesome psychological and physical benefits. However, self-care alone is just one aspect for maintaining good physical and mental health. For individuals dealing with more complex issues professional treatment through psychotherapy may be necessary.
The Thin Line of Overdoing It
I’d be negligent to say that while running and other sports in general offer a tremendous power in modulating our stressors there is also a possibility that the escape it provides ends up being avoidance. We start to seek more of it not just because it feels good and we’re chasing a goal but because we don’t have to attend to stuff that’s going on a little deeper inside. There’s also a risk when we’re dealing with deeper psychological issues that we develop an obsessive passion that begins to push us around that can lead us down a whole different path: “I need to run versus I want to run.” The point where we start negating our other values and health needs to chase the obsession. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to scare you, it’s just another reason why seeking professional guidance from a therapist may benefit you more than running alone.
There’s a Balance
The most effective approach to mental health involves integration and balance. Running and psychotherapy complement each other with physical activity supporting emotional well-being and psychotherapy providing a deeper level of introspection and healing. Incorporating a variety of strategies, including exercise, therapy, mindfulness practices and social support, can create a comprehensive framework for mental wellness.
While running alone can be a beneficial tool for managing stress and improving mood, it’s essential to recognize its limitations as a standalone intervention for addressing mental health issues. Psychotherapy can offer a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to mental wellness, addressing emotional struggles and fostering long-term resilience. By understanding the separate roles of running and psychotherapy and incorporating them into a holistic approach to self-care, you can cultivate greater well-being, fulfillment and thrive.
Verhoeven, J. et al (2023). Antidepressants or running therapy: Comparing effects of mental and physical health in patients with depression and anxiety disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders. 329:19-29.