Running
Like many parents of children with special needs, my child is my life. I become so engrossed in helping my child that I forget myself. In having a child with global developmental delays, there is so much work to be done. In addition to being his mom, I often feel that I have to be his physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist. I lose my identity, or even my son becomes my identity. Running is me-time. It’s time where I am by myself: no child, no husband, none of life’s problems to distress me.
I run because it’s an escape.
I am safety-conscious and aware of my surroundings but I also develop a tunnel vision when I run, where I focus on what my body is feeling. Running is meditative. Focusing on my body allows me to quiet my thoughts and concentrate on the physical. As I take a step, I pay attention to my form. Are my hands clenched? I relax them to relieve the tension. Am I moving my arms too much? I try to keep them at a 90-degree angle by my sides. I try not to become anxious about my form, but to make observations and make corrections when possible. It keeps my mind occupied with something other than the daily struggles.
I run because it makes me feel good.
Even when I’m struggling to complete a run, I always feel great after a run. I feel the endorphin rush, the “runner’s high” that occurs after I’ve huffed and puffed to log a few miles. Running is an antidepressant.
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There are many reasons why I run.
I also run because my son can’t run. Although I am far from being a gifted runner, I am thankful for my ability to run. My son has cerebral palsy and has considerable difficulty coordinating his movements. He can’t walk independently. His legs often cross when I’m walking with him hand-in-hand. He will probably never walk with fluidity, and mobility will always be a struggle for him. I run because I can.
Running does not take a lot of money.
You need a decent pair of running shoes, comfortable clothes, and yourself. I urge all parents of children with special needs to find an activity that provides a temporary, healthy escape. Surely there are many ways to escape, but not all of them are healthy, in the sense that they will not harm you. Reading is another healthy escape for me. Whatever activity you choose, I think that every parent is deserving of some “me-time”. Don’t feel that you are being selfish because you will benefit your family by returning to them as a more refreshed person.
Have you taken time for yourself? Tell us what you enjoy? Send to [email protected]
Helpful Recreation Articles
- Date Night Ideas for Exhausted Parents [1]
- Date Nights At-Home with the One You Love [2]
- Respite: Take a Break to Recharge [3]
- Where’s the RESPITE? [4]
- Staycation Was the Ultimate Vacation [5]
- Thinking of a Stay-cation? Here are 9 ideas to get you going [6]
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This post originally appeared on our January/February 2011 Magazine [8]