Make Time in Stressful Times
that’s runnable
The 25th Edition of your favourite running newsletter
Welcome back to your weekly dose of run chat.
A quick read of insightful tips and thoughts to help you with your running.
When life gets hectic, running often feels like the first thing to drop off the to-do list. But finding time to run, even in the busiest seasons, isn’t just doable, it’s one of the most powerful ways to recharge, refocus, and take care of yourself.
Something to Think About
In stressful times, running isn’t just exercise, it’s a reset. Even a short run can clear your mind, help you regain control, and bring a sense of calm amidst the chaos. When life feels like a constant sprint, it might seem counterintuitive to carve out time for a run. But, your running isn’t just another task on your to-do list, it’s a chance to step off the hamster wheel and dedicate time for yourself.
Something to Ask Yourself
When life feels overwhelming, ask: am I too busy to run, or too busy not to? Could a short run be the pause I need to reset and face the day?
Article of the Week 📄
In her article “7 Reasons to Make Time for Running (or Exercise) During Stressful Times,” Tina Muir emphasises the importance of maintaining an exercise routine even amidst life’s challenges. She shares personal experiences, highlighting how running provided her with essential “me” time to process emotions and manage stress during difficult periods.
Track of the Week 🎶
This week’s Album and Track are worth listening to on your next Easy/Long run.
From the Album Contre-Temps, this week’s Track of the Week is:
Pamplemousse by Flavien Berger (2018)
Personal Lesson
Fresh out of university, I found myself living in a flat in Mile End, East London, that could only generously be described as grim. My room was more of a glorified cupboard—just big enough for a bed, and not much else. I was overdrawn, scraping by on instant noodles and meal deals, and commuting to a high-pressure M&A tech sales job. Every day, I’d put on my ill-fitting suit and bad tie and try to look like I had it all together, working 14-hour days in an environment that thrived on competition, sharp elbows and stress. On the outside, I was doing everything right – keeping up appearances, shaking hands, hitting targets – but inside, I was falling apart. The constant pressure to prove myself, the long hours, and the isolation of starting life in a new city with no safety net left me deeply unhappy.
The only thing that kept me afloat was running. It didn’t cost anything, which was critical in a time when my finances were at zero, and it became my one reliable escape. Running gave me something I couldn’t find anywhere else: time. Time to reflect, time to be alone, and, honestly, time to just breathe. Some runs were filled with thoughts of how to survive the next day; others were blessedly quiet, a break from the noise of my life. I didn’t run because I was trying to get faster or stronger. I ran because it was the only thing that felt real when everything else felt fake and overwhelming. It wasn’t just a hobby, it was an anchor, the one thing that made me feel like I was still in control of something when the rest of my world was spiralling. Those miles saved me in more ways than one.
Running – Life’s Metaphor
Sometimes life, like running, is about showing up, even when it’s hard, and taking things one step at a time. It teaches resilience, how to embrace discomfort, and the value of progress over perfection.
Final Thoughts
Finding time for running isn’t always easy, but it’s almost always possible. Life can be chaotic, with work, family, and responsibilities pulling you in every direction, but running is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. It doesn’t have to be hours at a time – even 20 minutes can make a huge difference. Whether it’s waking up a little earlier, running on your lunch break, or swapping a TV show for a quick jog, there’s always a way to fit it in. The key is prioritising it, knowing that the energy and clarity running gives you will pay back tenfold.
Sometimes, finding the time takes sacrifice or creativity. Maybe you ask a friend or family member to help with the kids, prep dinner the night before, or make a deal with yourself to doomscroll on your phone less. These small trade-offs can free up the space you need to lace up and hit the road or trail. You might have to work harder to carve out the time, but it’s worth the effort. Running isn’t just physical—it’s mental and emotional fuel. It clears your head, boosts your mood, and gives you the resilience to handle everything else life throws at you.
Ultimately, running is a way of saying to yourself, I matter. It’s a gift of time to think, breathe, and connect with something deeper. Even when life feels overwhelming, carving out that space reminds you of your own strength and capability. The busier life gets, the more important it is to make time for yourself.
So, find the way that works for you—it might not always be easy, but it will always be worth it.
Thanks again for reading and subscribing.
Run the runnable, and keep showing up for yourself!
Tommy 🙂