How to Enjoy Runners High More Often!

What does runners high feel like? It is a feeling of euphoria and total bliss that we experience when our body feels like it is moving to a rhythm of its own and running feels effortless. We are scarcely aware of our body. Time and miles pass by easily. Everything is in sync--mind, body and soul. 

It is this experience that keeps us wanting more and more of it. This euphoric experience of "being in the zone" is the reason that so many runners become addicted to running long distances.

We can all play a part in experiencing runners high more often. It doesn't have to be something that just happens randomly on our runs. Whenever I have experienced runners high randomly, it usually happened after about 45-50 minutes of running when I was truly enjoying a run, but unfortunately I don't always experience runners high.

It is frustrating for runners when we cannot reach that place of joy. The flow of easy running evades us, and we cannot get in the zone. Running feels tough and it can be difficult to keep going. It happens to most of us and we just want the run, which sometimes feels like torture, to be over. 

Difficult runs like these are not only unpleasant, they can increase the risk of injury as our body responds by becoming tense and inflexible. Have you ever noticed how sore your body feels after a difficult run as compared to an enjoyable run? 

When running becomes an unpleasant experience, we need to get back in sync again. Our minds are unsettled, jumping all over the place--from one thought to another. We feel unhappy and disconnected from our body. Practicing mindfulness and focusing on the present moment during our runs can intensify the feelings of joy and connection with our body.

We must quiet our mind and focus our awareness on our body and our breath. Our focus needs to be in the present moment so we can enjoy it. We cannot enjoy this moment if we are thinking about how much distance is left to run, how long it is going to take, how hard it feels, critical thoughts about ourselves or others, etc. 

We really need to guard our thoughts and focus on being here--right now! It takes effort and some runs will require more effort than others, but when we experience the easy flow of effortless running and everything is in sync, we are truly well rewarded and can embrace the joy of running.

Tips to Enjoy Runners High More Often

Tips so you can enjoy runners high more often:

1. Focus on your breath: This is one of the easiest and most common way to become mindful and feel connected. Your breath has its own rhythm. Use it to help you focus. Follow it as it moves in and out of your body. Notice where you feel it most and focus there.
2. Use your senses: Your senses (hearing, seeing, smelling, feeling or tasting) can help you focus on what you are experiencing right now. Listen to the sounds you hear as you run along, i.e. wind blowing, water moving, your steps, dogs barking, birds chirping. Feel your feet each time they touch the ground. Notice sensations  on your skin, i.e. wind, rain, touch of your clothes, cool air, hot sun. Embrace everything you see, i.e. trees, grass, snow, people, trail ahead. Scents can be a powerful way to deepen your connection with your environment. Fully taste your gel or energy drink each time you refuel.
3. Mix up your routes: Explore new running routes to keep things exciting. Running in different environments stimulates your senses and enhances the potential for a runners high.
4. Run in nature: Try to run in a natural setting for at least part of your run. If you live in the city, perhaps you can include a city park as part of your run. Running in nature has a positive effect on our emotions and it helps us feel connected to our surroundings.
5. Find your rhythm: Experiment with different paces and cadences to find the sweet spot where you feel most energized and in sync with your body. 
6. Enjoy the journey: Embrace the process and appreciate every run, regardless of the outcome. Let go of expectations and savor the moment. Remember, runners high is as much about the joy and experience of running as it is about reaching a specific destination.
7. Practice Inner Body Awareness while running: When I want to feel more in sync and connected, I focus on my heart area and the sensations I feel there. I often experience an intense sense of joy, energy and aliveness in that area. This practice is very effective for me. Maybe it will be for you too. 

So let's put an end to difficult run days, boost our endorphin levels and embrace the euphoria of runners high more often! Let's be kind and gentle to ourselves, stay present in the moment (let go of the end result) and enjoy each and every step of our journey.

How often do you experience runners high? It is difficult for you or does it happen quite easily? Please share your experiences with us in the Comments Section below.

You may also be interested in this article:

More Techniques to Give Yourself the Gift of Runners High

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