How to Make Running a Habit That Sticks
By Genevieve Cunningham
Habits are what make us who we are. Some habits are easy to form -- brushing our teeth, going to bed on time, keeping the house clean. Other habits are incredibly difficult. One of the toughest and yet most beneficial habits that can truly shape your being and improve your health is running. But creating and then sustaining a running habit is hard. If you’re thinking of joining the running club, take a look at these tips for making the process easier than ever.
Don’t Overdo It
The biggest mistake that most people make is taking it too fast. If you haven’t been running, there is absolutely zero reason to rush out and run a mile. You may feel like you can do it, and you probably can … but don’t! Instead, ease into the practice incredibly slowly. Run for just a few minutes, and then stop. The next day, add a minute or two to the run if you can. Once you get back into the practice, you can strive for certain distances or times, but in the meantime, take it easy on yourself or the habit will never stick.
Make It Fun
Running isn’t really fun. It’s work. If you want to make it a habit, it’s best to make it as fun as possible. How? Get a running buddy. This will need to be someone supportive, and someone who won’t severely outrun you. If you’d rather go solo, make sure that you have a good playlist that can keep you motivated for the duration of the run. Finally, sign yourself up for a 5K run or a fun run race. This gives you something to work toward, and it can make the entire process more fun and meaningful.
Just Do It
Yep, just be like Nike. Sometimes, you just have to suck it up and get it done. At first, this will not be fun. You’ll try to find every excuse in the world as to why you can’t go for your run today. But just do it. After about a month, the habit will begin to form, and your body and mind may actually begin to crave the time alone and the physical activity. If you can force yourself for about 30 days, half of the habit forming work will be done, and you’ll be well on your way to better health.
If you really want to run, you can definitely make it happen. Use these tips to help you get started, and then to help you make it a habit that sticks for a lifetime. With a little patience and perseverance, you may find that running is just the thing you need to make you feel healthier and more productive than ever before.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Allen, Tex.