As spring unfolds in 2025, nature’s renewal reminds us of life’s perpetual cycle – a fitting backdrop to explore one of running’s most profound paradoxes: emotional processing during grief. The phrase “People either run to feel nothing or run to feel something” captures this duality perfectly, revealing how this simple physical act can become a powerful healing tool.
The science behind running through grief
Research consistently shows that physical activity impacts our emotional processing pathways. “Running transcends its physical nature and becomes a refuge for our souls. It can heal and provide solace, especially during the darkest times,” explains Tracey A. Chapman, running therapist and grief counselor.
The rhythmic motion of running creates a meditative state where emotions can either be temporarily suspended or intensely felt. This aligns with the dual process model of grief, which suggests we naturally oscillate between confronting our pain and seeking respite from it.
The numbing effect: when running creates distance
“A typical sequence of grief begins with acute pain and a sense of disbelief… Running is a great way to distract or occupy our thoughts from the intrusion of grief, but it has more benefits than being just a distraction,” says Dr. John Wilson, sports psychologist specializing in trauma recovery.
For many, running serves as a temporary escape – the body’s demand for oxygen and the mind’s focus on movement creates a brief but necessary reprieve from overwhelming emotions, like a storm shelter during emotional hurricanes.
The feeling effect: running as emotional catalyst
Conversely, the solitude and rhythm of running can create space for grief to surface. Eliza Flynn shares her experience: “SOME DAYS, I WOULD BE RUNNING WHILE CRYING AT THE SAME TIME.” This raw emotional processing while in motion often leads to significant emotional breakthroughs.
The physiological aspects of running – increased endorphins, reduced cortisol, and improved circulation – create an optimal biological environment for emotional regulation, making difficult feelings more manageable.
Spring renewal and grief processing
As spring blooms around us, nature’s rebirth offers a powerful metaphor for grief work. Just as plants push through soil toward light, our journey through grief involves emergence from darkness.
Many runners find the seasonal transition particularly meaningful. The lengthening days provide more opportunities for outdoor running, while budding trees and flowers offer visual reminders of life’s persistence even after loss.
Finding community in shared movement
“Grief for a loss is because there is a hole in someone’s life and exercise can fill that gap… Running requires considerable effort and can restore confidence,” notes Dr. Clare Stevinson, researcher in exercise psychology.
Spring brings the return of running as a coping mechanism through community events, from memorial runs to support groups that combine movement with mourning. These shared experiences reduce isolation often felt during grief.
Practical tips for running through grief
- Start with gentle, mindful runs focused on breathing and presence
- Consider injury prevention exercises as emotional stress can impact physical form
- Journal immediately after runs to capture emotional insights
- Alternate between solo runs (for processing) and group runs (for support)
Creating your own grief-running practice
Whether you run to feel nothing or to feel everything, creating intentionality transforms running into sacred grief work. Some days, running might be about temporary escape, while other days it becomes about confrontation and release.
As spring fashion trends like comfortable mom jeans make comebacks, remember that healing isn’t about trends – it’s about finding what truly works for your unique grief journey.
What emotional healing might begin with your next run? Your body already knows the way forward – sometimes all you need to do is lace up your shoes and let your feet carry you toward healing, one step at a time.