Finding Calm in the Chaos: Running During the Holidays
Welcome,
If you’re anything like me, the holidays can feel overwhelming. Did I send that package? Will it get there in time? Did I wrap things up before vacation? The to-do list feels endless. It's funny because we are not hosting and in fact taking a trip up to Northern California this week for some relaxation. But work and life have been busy!
I wanted to talk about how running can help ease holiday stress (or really, any stress). Running isn’t a magical cure, but it can be part of the puzzle that helps you feel a little more grounded.
Should you run through the holidays?
Here’s the simple answer: if you want to run, run. If you don’t, then don’t. Simple? Yes.
Easy? Not always.
The holidays look different for everyone. Maybe you’re traveling or maybe you’re laying low. Whatever your plans are, I hope you’re staying safe and doing what feels right for you.
How Can Running Help with Holiday Stress?
I’ll say it upfront...running isn’t therapy. It can feel therapeutic, but therapy is therapy.
Stress hits everyone differently. Some of us shut down and skip running altogether. Others lace up more often, using running as an escape. Wherever you fall, it’s valid. If you enjoy working out, there is no need to stop working out just because holiday routines look different.
Running Builds Resilience:
Ever heard someone say running is their “thinking time”? There’s something about easy miles that helps you process things without reacting right away. It’s like hitting pause...instead of spiraling, you get a moment to breathe and reflect.
Running Improves Sleep:
Sleep is one of the biggest keys to running well and life in general. Without it, your body can’t recharge. You can live without running, but you cannot live without sleep. If you’re debating between more sleep or getting that run in, I usually vote for sleep.
Good sleep helps you handle stress, mentally and physically. And while we don’t know the exact reason why exercise boosts sleep, research shows that moderate exercise improves the quality of deep sleep.
Runner’s High is Real:
Running triggers feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine both boost your mood and help you feel more at ease.
Running Can Strengthen Your Immune System:
As someone who has been sick more than ever this year, I am hoping for holiday miracles of not getting sick. Let me be clear, running won’t prevent illness, but it can help you get sick less often. Exercise boosts white blood cells and antibodies, which are key to fighting off infection. Plus, your body temperature rises during a run, which helps prevent bacteria from hanging around.
But here’s the catch overtraining can weaken your immune system. That’s why some runners catch colds after big races or marathons. Balance is key some running is great, but too much can do more harm than good.
Bottom line: Running can help reduce stress, but it should never become your stress. Do what feels good, whether it’s during the holidays or any other time of year.
Finally, sometimes, running can become a way to cope with food guilt or holiday indulgences. While staying active is healthy, using running to “earn” or “burn off” food can create unhealthy patterns. I encourage you to remove "earning food" out of your phrase vocabulary. It’s important to recognize when running shifts from being a positive habit to something driven by guilt or anxiety. Signs to watch for include feeling stressed or anxious if you miss a run, increasing mileage solely to offset meals, or ignoring injuries and fatigue to keep up with your routine.
Finding balance is key. Running should enhance your life, not become something that dictates your daily decisions. Listen to your body and take rest days when needed especially during busy or stressful times. If you notice patterns of over-exercising, consider reassessing your routine or talking to a professional who can help create a healthier relationship with running and food.
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