If you've read my posts before, you'll know how much I love to run! It is one of my favourite things to do, whether I desperately need to relax, or I really want to push and challenge myself.
Running has so many benefits for my mental health, and I really recommend adding a jog to your daily routine if you need a hobby that will help you switch off and release some endorphins.
When you're jogging, you can't think about anything else. This is great if you need to de-stress after work.
Don't get me wrong, running is hard- but it also helps me feel really good about myself!
As someone who initially found it hard to find the right exercise for me, it feels amazing to find a hobby that I love- and running is great for my physical health, too.
I've even started entering a few races over the past few years, completing the Great North Run a couple of weeks ago!
I know how hard it can be to get running- and it can sometimes feel like you'll never find a way to add it to your daily routine.
In this blog post, I want to share 5+ tips to add a jog to your daily routine. It might be hard to find the time at first, so I've put together a few ideas to help you get started!
1. Make it work for you
If you're starting a new hobby such as jogging, you need to make it work for you!
Make sure to find a time that works for you, such as after work, during your lunch break or before the school run.
If you don't choose a convenient time, you'll find it hard to keep up with your new hobby.
It's also important to stop comparing yourself to other runners.
Some people may have been running for many years, so it's only right that they will outlap you! Just focus on your own journey.
2. Find the right food for you
When I come in from a jog, I am always super hungry! It's important to fill your body with the right food and drink to keep you happy, healthy and to encourage fast recovery for your muscles.
This includes foods high in protein and plenty of carbohydrates to fuel you up before and after your run.
It also goes without saying that hydration is key, so invest in a lightweight, handy bottle and fill it with water or protein powder.
3. Keep it short
If you have a busy schedule or you find it hard to add a jog to your daily routine, try keeping it short.
You don't need to allot lots of time to your jog every day, it could just be as simple as a 5-minute jog around the block after work or 10 minutes before you head off to work in the morning.
You can build up to a longer run when you're good and ready!
4. Buy the essentials
If you want to add a jog to your daily routine, you need to make sure you have all the running essentials. When you first start, this might just be an appropriate sports bra and the right shoes.
If you keep up with your new hobby, there may be more recovery and equipment costs to consider too.
Before you add a jog to your daily routine, make sure you've got everything you need to be safe and healthy out on the road.
5. Be consistent
I think when people hear about jogging, they instantly think that they have to carve out a large amount of time from their day, but that's just not true. The most important thing is consistency.
As with any workout or exercise, those who are consistent about it will ease themselves into a new sport and start reaping the benefits faster.
If you consistently run 10 minutes every day, you're much more likely to see benefits than if you run 40 minutes one day and don't pick it up again for the rest of the week.
6. Start small
It's so important to start small if you want to add a jog to your daily routine. From a physical point of view, your body will really suffer if you push yourself too far- and you could end up with an injury.
However, from a mental point of view, it's also important to start small. Instead of thinking about running a marathon, break your new hobby down into easier chunks.
You could start with a brisk walk to get yourself started and only add jogging into your routine when you feel ready.
I think Couch to 5K is a fantastic way to get into running, as it breaks down each milestone until you can run a 5K for yourself.
7. Try out the treadmill
It can be hard to add a jog to your daily routine when the weather isn't great or when Winter is on its way.
Unfortunately for women, running in the dark isn't an option- and that means there are fewer hours in the day to fit a jog into your routine.
This is where the treadmill comes in! You could try out different settings on the treadmill before you go for a longer run and ease yourself into a jog.
This also mean you have the option to run anytime, even when the weather is bad!
Have you ever tried to go for a jog? Do you enjoy running? Let me know in the comments!
Sarah
xoxoxo
