This year has been so crazy that it's caused me to do a lot of deep thinking, and for me, the best way to think and work through things is by running, or hiking.
It's kind of weird how it happened. Usually, I run only 2 miles a day. But lately I've been running 6-8, and I can't seem to stop.

Running Can Be Mental

I run for my mental health. Doesn't that sound odd?
A lot of people assume that my addiction to running is because of some weight loss goal, Or body goal. Which is partially true. I'm a firm believer that some of the mental illness we see today, Could be "helped" through more physical exercise. When People often think of being healthy, It seems that working out gets pushed to the side. I'm glad that food is considered so important. But exercise is so vastly underestimated.

Don't Meditate, Run Instead!

A lot of people can't bring themselves to meditate. And I can relate, It's hard for me to sit still. I've been running almost every day for 12 years now. And I remember reading something online that made so much sense. I started realizing that the very thing I do while running is a form of meditation. Of course, it may not be as helpful as fully meditating, When you run, There are often distractions, And or other things that can more readily divert your focus.
Here's a great article that goes more in depth about how to meditate while running.

Sure running may not be your thing, I know a lot of people who hate running with a burning passion. But what is it that you can do that gets you moving? Even just a walk.

I Don't know what I'd do without running

I keep noticing as weird things happen, Or if I get good or bad news. Running seems to help me ground myself. To make better choices and fully let the news "sink" in. So I don't act on my emotions, But instead, I can act more logically. Sometimes It gets a little annoying When my brain starts to scream at me for a run, When I'm deeply involved in my work, Or doing something important and urgent. But I always find a quick run makes it much easier for me to focus on what needs to be done once I get back.