Why I Run
Sometimes the only way to stop the world from moving a million miles an hour is to accelerate.
All of us grapple with some level of stress brought on by school or money or work. And that goes double here in 2020, as we deal with an extra layer of stress brought on by the pandemic.
For many, slowing down is the way to go. I’ve tried yoga, meditation and other generally soothing activities and while they each have their charms, the best way I’ve found to maintain balance is to keep on moving.
I’m an avid runner and so by extension is my dog, Chester. Every morning like clockwork we set out for a run and trust me, if I’m a few minutes late, he lets me know.
And while the physical benefits of running are apparent, I’d argue that its impact on mental health is every bit as valuable, at least for me. Yet, mental health usually isn’t the first thing we think of when we talk about exercise.
Behavioral issues are an oft-misunderstood blind-spot in many corporate cultures. We’ll open the door for a colleague with a wrist injury, for instance, but we’re less sure of how to help those who have struggled with their mental health.
It’s high time we flipped that script and brought behavioral health out of the shadows and into the light.
To that end, here at AAA we recently rolled out a program called myStrength, a free 24/7 service offering guidance, coaching and hundreds of activities, exercises and tools to help cope with some of the life’s biggest challenges. In fact, the idea to roll out myStrength was born out of a fun internal exercise. Our HR department held a “Shark Tank”-style competition to drum up new ideas and the winners proposed a more robust benefit package to address mental health issues.
We’ve also enhanced our relationship with Health Advocate, a confidential resource offering physical, financial and emotional health support for employees and their families. Plus, we’re brainstorming how to offer more training and resources to help our leaders and the people they manage to shatter the stigma surrounding behavioral health.
I could write about the benefits of running forever, and while the bottomless cup of the internet gives me that option, I think I hear a questioning bark and the hopeful rattle of a leash …
Current Tax Consultant, Retired Tax Judge and Adjunct Professor
4 年Great thoughts Ron. Those endorphins do wonders for sanity!
LATAM Marketing Executive, Marketing Manager Infosys Brazil, Head of Marketing Durand - Távola, MD Solutions Director, Oliver and Luigi’s Mom
4 年Nice article! I'm not a big fan of the "new normal" expression it sounds more and more that everything has to be accepted and allowed as we have no other option... but we do, we can still change things and find new ways to improve the quality of our life That been said taking a moment to oxygenate the mind and body is essential. Once running or riding a bike is no longer possible deu to my knee surgery, the motto here is "Keep Walking" and of course always in the best company. The walks with Oliver and Luigi, have been fundamental to renew my spirit and help on keeping me health As a matter of fact, I can't imagine what it would be to go through all of this without these two on my life to brighten my days and to animate the conference calls.
Personal Risk Specialist and Account Manager
4 年Love this article! I completely relate! Here is my running partner and me. The best way to clear your mind
Area Vice President at Gallagher
4 年Great article Ron.? I hope you are doing well!
Marketing, Branding, and Communications Executive
4 年Thanks for sharing!