Running for Healing: How a Hobby Became a Lifeline

In the summer of 2024 I went through multiple different challenging life situations. My husband and I lost two important family members and struggled with changing family dynamics. For me, when my aunt passed away, I was searching for a way to process the grief that felt heavy to carry. I never imagined that running, something I once avoided, would become one of the most healing and empowering hobbies in my life.

It started with my cousin. She invited me to join her on a short run when she came to visit. I said yes, not thinking anything of it. When I first started running, my only thought was to get through the first five minutes. It was then that I realized that running wasn't just about physical endurance, it was about emotional release. The rhythm of my breath, the steady beat of my feet on the ground, and the fresh air became a form of moving meditation.

The Connection Between Hobbies and Mental Health

Research shows that engaging in hobbies has a direct impact on well-being. A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that people who exercised experienced 43% fewer days of poor mental health compared to those who didn't. Other research highlights that creative hobbies like crafting or crocheting reduce stress, while movement-based hobbies like dance, skating, or running improve mood and resilience.

When we treat hobbies as more than just "extra activities," they become lifelines for mental health. Running taught me that healing doesn't only happen in stillness, that it can also happen in motion.

From Running Alone to Running Together

After that first mile together, I invited my cousins and family to run a 5k Turkey Trot that next Thanksgiving. We got other family members involved and cheered each other on. After our Nana passed away in the summer of 2025, we did another 5k after her funeral. Again, cheering each other on and processing our grief together. Running gave us not only a shared hobby but also a way to connect through movement and togetherness.

Along the way, I also joined a local running group. What started as solo runs turned into community connection. I've met inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds who lace up for the same reasons: joy, health, healing, and camaraderie. That sense of belonging has been just as therapeutic as the runs themselves.

Why Running Is a Healing Hobby

Running has shown me that hobbies aren't just distractions, they are powerful tools for healing. Here's why:

• Emotional Release: Running allows us to literally move through grief, anxiety, and stress.
• Resilience Building: Training for races mirrors life's challenges, reminding us that we can push through discomfort and grow stronger.
• Mindful Movement: Like yoga or hooping, running can become a meditation in motion.
• Community Connection: Joining groups or events creates bonds that combat loneliness and foster support.

My Healing Hobbies Toolkit

Running is just one part of my healing journey. Over the years, I've discovered that a mix of hobbies nourishes different parts of my mental health:

• Hula Hooping & Aerial Arts: Playful movement that boosts confidence, creativity, and body awareness.
• Roller Skating: Joyful exercise that brings out my inner child and helps release stress.
• Crocheting & Crafting: Calming, mindful activities that quiet the mind and allow for self-expression.
• Thrifting: A treasure-hunting adventure that sparks creativity, sustainability, and connection to community.

Each of these hobbies reminds me that healing isn't linear, it's layered, colorful, and rooted in joy. Whether I'm crocheting at home or crossing a finish line with friends, I'm reminded that hobbies are more than pastimes. They're my source of healing and taking care of myself.

Start Where You Are

If you're considering running, or any new hobby, you don't need to be fast, experienced, or perfect. Start with one step, one mile, or one stitch. Let it be an experiment in play and healing, not just performance.