Are you someone on that hates running long distance? When you go for your runs is it hard for you to get out of your head or can’t stop thinking about how awful it is to be running? If this sounds like you, then this technique may make your runs a whole lot easier for your mentality. The technique is called cognitive appraisal.
Cognitive appraisal is essentially what researchers have called it to describe the practice of identifying unpleasant sensations with a sense of indifference, rather than an attachment. This is very similar to the idea of being mindful but in a different way. Instead of concentrating on a particular emotion in each moment, this is more or less saying to not have an emotion to the moment. You are still being present in what you are doing but you are associating an indifferent emotion to it rather than the negative one that wants to come to the forefront with each stride.
This goes back to the power of our minds and that we have control over our thoughts. If running is plain awful for you mentally, then it is time to change your thoughts. Try have emotions that are more laid back. Think about how running is a piece of cake. We all know that it doesn’t feel like that at times, but you can surely try to trick your brain into thinking so.
Your brain is smart. If you practice this a few times, the more the indifferent emotions will start to arrive on their own. Hopefully, you will enjoy running more and maybe get to experience those times when you hear other people say how relaxing and destressing running is for them. You may not internally laugh or roll your eyes at them anymore.
Now, this doesn’t have to be just long distance running. The study shows that this can be done with any endurance activity. Help your brain to help you–don’t let it be against you.
