How Running Helped Me Cope with Anxiety
Running allowed me to find something I was good at in my own way, I found a productive way to deal with my anxiety, and I found myself much happier because of it. I smashed all my own goals, from running my first 5k, to a 10k to 10 miles, to a half marathon and I did it on my own volition…
What is Dissociation
When we experience trauma, and this is different for all of us, we react in ways individual to us. But there are some common symptoms that can develop particularly if we don’t get the support that we need. One of these symptoms is dissociation; this is the human bodies greatest survival technique. It happens when our mind, body and emotions feel so overwhelmed that the brain seems to flip a switch in order to reduce the impact of the overwhelming feelings.
The benefits of self-regulating anxiety symptoms
But what if the danger isn’t real?
This is when anxiety becomes problematic. Because we’re basically suffering the physical sensations of being alert and ready for danger, when the danger is only perceived, or isn’t a direct threat on our lives (chances are, this is usually the case). We’re then left with the troublesome feelings of a raised heartrate, a churning stomach, over stimulated senses and a feeling that something isn’t quite right.
