A Simple Habit That Transformed My Life During Lockdown
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Chapter 1: The Struggle of Lockdown
In mid-April 2020, amidst the global upheaval caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, I found myself in a difficult place. Working from home for six weeks had taken a toll, leaving me feeling isolated and restless. The monotony of walking the same streets near my parents' house had become tedious and nearly unbearable.
With a lack of mental stimulation, I began to overanalyze everything—from past relationships to lost career opportunities. Each morning greeted me with the same dreary routine, and my mental well-being suffered as a result. Unfortunately, this was not just my experience; the World Health Organization reported a 25% rise in anxiety and depression globally during this time.
Chapter 2: Feeling Trapped
During the lockdown, I experimented with various coping strategies to maintain my sanity. Cooking, virtual quizzes, sports reruns, and even drinking became my outlets. I tried strength training in the garden—typically a great stress-reliever for me—but even that lost its appeal.
Living back in my childhood home while feeling stagnant in my job, I was stuck in a monotonous routine that left me feeling dismal. Before the pandemic, I had contemplated a job change and relocating to a new city, dreaming of fresh beginnings and new connections. However, anxiety always held me back from acting on these aspirations.
Then, a conversation with my brother changed everything. He had successfully moved to a new city, owned his own home, and seemed genuinely happy despite the pandemic. Curious about his secret, I asked, “What have you been up to?”
“I just went for a run,” he replied.
“A run?” I echoed.
“Absolutely. You should give it a shot.”
“I’m not good at running,” I hesitated.
“Practice. You have plenty of time for that now.”
“Alright, I’ll think about it.”
Chapter 3: Taking the Leap
One Sunday afternoon, feeling frustrated and reflecting on my brother's suggestion, I decided to take the plunge. I downloaded a running app, set my timer, laced up my trainers, and embarked on a 5km run. It was a longer distance than I had ever attempted before.
As I approached the 3km mark, fatigue set in. My legs felt heavy, and my chest tightened. I considered stopping and walking the remaining distance. Yet, a voice in my head urged me to persist:
“Just two more kilometers, and you’re done.”
I pushed through, and by the end of my first run, I was exhausted but exhilarated. For the first time in over two months, I felt a sense of accomplishment.
Returning home, I sat in my garden, reflecting on successfully completing my first 5km run. Just two days later, I was back at it, motivated to improve my time. I managed to run the distance in 25 minutes and 31 seconds, setting a new goal: under 25 minutes. I was hooked.
The drive to enhance my pace and endurance ignited a spark within me, lifting the cloud of despair that had loomed over me during lockdown.
Video Description: How one habit changed my life. This video explores the profound impact of adopting a running routine during challenging times.
Chapter 4: The Science Behind the Change
Research from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2018 revealed that 89% of surveyed runners reported increased happiness and positive mental health outcomes from regular running. Over 8,000 participants in the nationwide parkrun initiative shared their health and wellness experiences with researchers. Their scores on the Oxford Happiness Scale averaged at 4.4, surpassing the general population’s average of 4.
Clearly, my newfound running habit played a significant role in lifting my spirits during a tough time. But it wasn’t just during lockdown that running positively influenced my life; I was determined to carry this newfound confidence forward.
Chapter 5: A Shift in Mindset
Five months after my initial run, I moved out of my parents’ house into an apartment in a new city, continuing my running routine and discovering new routes. Six months later, I switched jobs for a position in the heart of my new city, and another six months after that, I entered a new romantic relationship.
My mindset had undergone a dramatic transformation from the hopelessness I felt at the pandemic's onset.
Conclusion: The Journey Forward
Since I began running in April 2020, I have covered nearly 1,000 kilometers, moved homes, changed jobs, made new friends, and embarked on numerous new challenges. I have even signed up for my first half marathon and planned solo travels for the summer.
While it would be simplistic to attribute all my achievements solely to running, I can confidently say that it has dramatically boosted my confidence and transformed my approach to setting and achieving goals.
Video Description: Life under lockdown: how the pandemic changed us. This video discusses the collective impact of the pandemic on our lives and mental health.
