The Mindful Mix-Up
Workout - The Mindful Mix-Up
- 10min @ 6'30''/km
- 2.0km @ 6'15''/km
- 3 lots of:
- 4min @ 6'00''/km
- 20s @ 5'30''/km
- 1.0km @ 6'15''/km
- 5min @ 7'00''/km
Here’s a breakdown of The Big Problem With Running For Your Mental Health from This Messy Happy. Worth watching—we’ve pulled out the key concepts so you can test-drive these workouts right now. The full video has much more depth if you want to dig deeper.
Key Points:
- Running produces a temporary “runner’s high,” but it addresses only the surface—not the root cause of stress or anxiety.
- Pairing runs with mental-training tools like metacognition, mindfulness, and stoicism can reshape how you think.
- Three simple session types—Mnemonic Mindset Run, Positives Run, and Flow‑State Run—transform an ordinary run into targeted mental-health work.
Workout Example:
- Mnemonic Mindset Run (≈2 km easy aerobic run) – Choose a trigger word that pulls your attention back when the mind wanders—say, “hands.” Repeat it silently as you run, especially when you notice tension or your focus slipping. Use it to redirect your attention to one running-specific cue: hand position, foot strike, or breathing rhythm.
- Positives Run – On a regular run, spot one thing you appreciate every kilometer—your health, the view, a strong split. Jot it down when you’re done, or keep it in memory. This rewires your mind toward the positive side.
- Flow‑State Run – During an easy base run, when you notice your mind wandering, pick up the pace for 10–20 seconds, then settle back down. These short bursts keep you rooted in the moment and build your ability to snap back to focus.
Closing Note: Pick one of these this week. Adjust the distances or trigger words to match your tempo, and see how your mental state starts to shift. The Pacing app makes it simple to tailor each session to your needs—enjoy your runs!
References
- The Big Problem With Running For Your Mental Health - YouTube (YouTube Video)