Running outdoors is a great way to boost your energy
I run outdoors during all different seasons, shine or rain, I go. This is something that I have learned over the years.
Until a few years ago, on a rainy day, I would opt for a treadmill run. Today, running indoors is not the same experience as running outdoors. Despite the positive benefits of running indoors, running outdoors in nature is something unique. I’ve discovered a special connection between running and nature. I’m not saying you don’t get the same physical benefits, but there is something magical about running in nature, that I can’t experience while indoors. After the first few minutes, when the body needs to get the rhythm, my breath is rhythmic and relaxed, and I completely shift my mindset to a different state. I often think about the power that running has in nature. We live busy and frenetic lives; we are constantly bombarded by multiple things to do at the same time — work, family, and friends — and often we don’t have time to decompress, slow down, and find some time for ourselves and recharge. For our wellbeing, it’s extremely beneficial to find the time to recover and be ready for the next adventure. It’s a fresh start.
Did you find your own time to relax and let your mind wander?
Every person is different, has different passions, and different approaches to life, but the most important part is that we dedicate some time exclusively to ourselves.
For me, running has become a vital part of my life. It started more as a challenge to push my limits, and it’s now an integral part of my daily routine. To begin, it has been scientifically proven that when you start running, you allow your mind to wander. It’s the place where new ideas and projects take shape, but it is also the place where you feel connected to the Universe. When running, I am more focused on the present moment; I’m mindful, I pay attention to the surroundings, and I discover the beauty of nature. I activate all my senses. The music of the birds, the colors of the flowers in the spring, and the trees in the fall. The other day, while I was running, I heard a bird sing. I looked to my right, and I saw a beautiful blue jay bird, in its light blue, white, and black colors.
They are beautiful birds that live in most of the northeastern and central parts of the United States, and they are very popular in New York. Although the number of these birds is decreasing, it’s easy to recognize some of them in Central Park. Every time I see one, I’m always breathless and fascinated by its beauty. Nature is so gorgeous! The other day, I felt a big sense of joy and fulfillment inside me. It’s a feeling that I can’t express, but it’s that warmth in my chest that tells me this is so genuine and true. This brings me back to the present moment. For me, nature is a key element that always gives me joy and peace, and running in nature is something magnificent; the combination of the two makes the experience more magical. We all belong to the Universe and are all connected. In our daily life, we are very busy and focus on success, and we forget what is truly important to us. We should remember to feed our body and our soul. It doesn’t matter how long it can be — a few minutes or a few hours — but the most important part is not to neglect our basic needs and what makes us fulfilled and happy.