Running has become a popular method for many adults to cope with stress, especially from their jobs. In 2021, over six million adults in England ran weekly, with around two-thirds citing stress reduction as a primary motivation.

A notable global event, known as "parkrun," a weekly 5km run, was investigated in our research to understand its impact on employees from various organizations. Results indicate that running aids in better managing the demands and stressors of modern work life.

Workplace Challenges and Mental Health

Research suggests that one in seven individuals face mental health challenges related to their jobs due to increasing work intensity and pressure for higher productivity. This heightened pressure can lead to feelings of inadequacy and repeated failure, impacting one's self-esteem and overall purpose in life.

Quarter Life Series

Part of the Quarter Life series, this article addresses issues affecting individuals in their twenties and thirties, navigating career beginnings, mental health, family life, and social connections during this transitional period.

Running and Identity

Participants in our research highlighted the significance of the identity as a runner, providing a sense of community and self-worth outside of the workplace. Running fosters resilience by allowing individuals to cope with setbacks and failures, which are intrinsic to the activity.

Running and Resilience

Through the shared experiences of running in a group, individuals learn to confront and manage failure collectively. Embracing failures in running can help build emotional resilience and a greater tolerance for setbacks, which can positively impact one's approach to challenges in the workplace.

Balancing Running and Overachievement

While running offers numerous benefits, excessive focus on performance metrics and social comparison through platforms like social media can lead to a detrimental need for constant achievement. Overreliance on running, especially as a means to escape or achieve relaxation, can perpetuate feelings of inadequacy and intensify existing pressures from work and life.

In conclusion, running serves as a valuable tool for stress management and building resilience. It provides individuals with a sense of community, identity, and accomplishment. However, it is essential to maintain a balanced approach to running to prevent it from contributing to feelings of inadequacy and overachievement in the long run.

Building stress resilience

Video By Science Animated