Come on, grab your trainers, you're coming with me!

This week's blog is a little bit different as I'm taking you on a gratitude run and what the heck is one of those I hear you ask.  Well quite simply, and to put it crudely, it's an opportunity to take your head out of your own backside and be grateful for everything around you.  It's very easy to get caught up in your own little world and forget about the simple things in life.  In my case, it's about stepping away from work and boring home tasks, recharging my batteries and immersing myself in nature.

I never tire of my environment and realise how lucky I am to live where I do but even so, it's still worth taking the time to be completely and utterly 'in the moment' every now and then and feel even more grateful for what I have.

So come with me and enjoy!  But first, we need to warm up.  I usually start my session by doing 10 mins yoga.  This in itself helps to refocus my mind and help with my breathing.  I love the following:

Yoga with Kassandra

Yoga with Adriene

Ok we're off and, obviously, if running is not your thing then simply do a gratitude walk instead.  I walk all of one minute to the top of my road and I'm greeted with this lovely view.  Before I break into a run, I pause, take in my surroundings and set myself an intention such as 'I want to feel energised by the end of this run' and then off I go.  I've got a short downhill before the up so focusing on my breath really helps.

When I reach the woods I'm usually greeted with lots of birdsong, especially in the morning or early evening.  There's also rustling in the undergrowth of little creatures which always makes me jump!

Another hill and time to really appreciate my body and what it can do.  Our bodies are amazing aren't they?  Yet we treat them with utter disrespect from time to time, so take the time to ponder about how fabulous they are.  My body and mind are working in harmony to get me up this hill and they will not let me stop.

And breathe!

Love this bit of the run, it's an opportunity to freewheel whilst taking in the view.  Don't just 'look' at the view when you're out and about, really 'see' the view and take it in.

For the next part of the run, I like to set myself a little challenge of thinking of 5 things that I'm grateful for, they have to be genuine and not a half-hearted attempt.  If you've not done this before, it can feel a little bit cheesy but stick with it because eventually you'll get comfortable with it.

As I head for home, I make an effort to keep my mind clear and not start thinking about any tasks that I have to do when I get back.  For now, there's nothing I need to be doing and nowhere I need to be except right here in the moment.

One last hill - there's always a chuffing hill round here!

When I get home, I may do another 10 mins yoga to stretch off or simply do my own stretches.  Depending on the time of day, I either have a quick shower and start my day or have a long soak in the bath and enjoy my evening.

Running or walking is better than any medication and I've found that although the odd thought will pop into my head from time to time, it's absolutely impossible to stay feeling angry, worried, frustrated, unmotivated etc.  It's a cure all for both body and mind.  So what are you waiting for .....

If you need a few more reasons to try a 'gratitude run/walk' then here you go ...

• It lifts your negative mood and puts a smile on back on your face if you weren't feeling great in the first place.  If you were in a good mood already then wow, it will take you to the next happiness level!

• It will calm your mind and refocus your thoughts so you can tackle any issues.

• It creates an appreciation and gratefulness that you may not have experienced before.

• It makes you look at things in a different and more creative way.

• It not only clears your mind but improves your physical fitness by getting your blood pumping, lungs filling with fresh oxygen and muscles moving.

#2021