With Thanksgiving around the corner, many of us will soon gather with family and friends to share a meal and express our gratitude. Yet, while we have an entire holiday dedicated to gratitude, Thanksgiving doesn't have to be the only time that we express thanks for the things in our lives that we are grateful for. In fact, incorporating gratitude into your daily life can have powerful effects, as research shows that gratitude can contribute to higher levels of happiness, satisfaction, and positive emotions.
If you enjoy running as your primary form of exercise, a great way to incorporate gratitude into your daily life would be to go on gratitude runs. By focusing on what you are thankful for during your runs, you can improve your physical and emotional well-being at the same time! Yet, how does one go about incorporating gratitude into their running routine? Here are a few tips for things that you can do while running to promote thankfulness and happiness in your everyday life.
Take a Moment to Thank Your Body
A great way to practice gratitude while running is to take a moment to thank your body for the physical strength it is giving you to run. The fact is that there are so many people in the world who are unable to run, and those of us who can should feel grateful that we are able to do so. As you run, think about the power your body is creating using the air you take in and the muscles in your body to propel you forward along the path, and thank your body for having the strength to keep going. Even on days when running is difficult and you have a hard time pushing through, being grateful for how much resilience and perseverance your body has can help keep you going.
Take a Moment to Appreciate the World Around You
If the weather allows you to run outside, take some time during your run to look around and really take in the beauty of the world around you. Many of us go through the motions of our daily routines without stopping to think about and acknowledge the beauty of the world around us. Next time you go for a run outside, try to actively notice the scenery around you and its beauty, and take a moment to feel grateful that you have such a peaceful, safe place to commune with nature. Taking a moment to notice the beauty in your everyday environment and feel gratitude for it can foster a more positive mindset.
Make a Mental List of The Positive Things in Your Life
For many of us, running brings a sense of calmness and peace, and it is one of the few times during the day when we can simply reflect on life. Free from the hustle and bustle of daily life during your run, your mind is free to wander and reflect. It is runs like these that present the perfect opportunity for you to reflect on the blessings in your life and what you have to feel grateful for. Make a list in your head as you run of all of the things both big and little that you are thankful for in your life. Not only can this help bring you a sense of peace, but it can also give you the energy you need to push through the final leg of your run.
Show Gratitude to Your Running Community
While you may often run alone, you likely also have a running community that you work out with. These running partners often provide us with the motivation and accountability we need to keep going even on the days when we don't feel like getting out of bed. As you run, think about all of the people who have motivated you, supported you, and joined you on your running journey, and be grateful for the impact that they have had on your life. At the end of your run, consider sending a message to someone who has helped you on your running journey and share your gratitude. This simple act can help spread joy and perhaps make someone's day.
While Thanksgiving is an important holiday for many families, being grateful is something we should try to do all year, as doing so can improve your emotional well-being. While running is the perfect time to think about what you're grateful for, you need the right apparel and accessories to support your fitness journey. Consider connecting with FlipBelt to find out how our products can help you achieve your fitness goals.
