The 5 Surprising Benefits of Running Without Headphones: Why You Should Try It
As a runner, running with headphones is second nature. It’s almost as important as putting on your running shoes before heading out for a run. When starting anything to challenge ourselves, it’s a great idea to make it as enjoyable and motivational as possible. Music or podcasts can provide a welcome distraction during our training sessions or help pass the time during a boring running route. However, have you ever considered running without headphones? Here are 5 reasons why you should give it a try:
1. Awareness of your surroundings.
One of the biggest benefits of running without headphones is increased awareness of your surroundings. When you have your headphones in, you're less likely to hear approaching traffic or other potential hazards. This is especially important when running on roads or in areas with heavy foot traffic. By leaving your headphones at home, you can stay more attuned to your surroundings and stay safe.
2. Connection to your body and environment.
Running without headphones can also help you stay more connected to your body and appreciate your environment. You can pay closer attention to your breathing, foot strike, pace and more. We often start to run in time to the music we’re listening to. example, if you're having trouble catching your breath, you might be able to adjust your pace or breathing technique to find a more comfortable rhythm. Running without headphones can also allow you to fully engage with the beauty of your surroundings and appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells of your environment. This can also encourage you to be explorative with your running and try new routes or going on short, sight-seeing runs when on holiday.
3. Engaging with others.
Another benefit of running without headphones is the opportunity to engage with others. You're more likely to make eye contact and interact with other runners or pedestrians you encounter on your route. This can be a great way to build a sense of community and make running a more social activity. You might even make a new running buddy or two! This may be an obvious one, but if you’re running with a friend or a group… leave the headphones at home and enjoy the company.
4. Mindfulness and being present.
Finally, running without headphones can be a great way to practice mindfulness and be more present in the moment. Instead of being distracted by music or podcasts, you can focus on the sensation of running and the beauty of your surroundings. This can help you clear your mind and reduce stress, making running an even more enjoyable and therapeutic activity.
5. Get out of jail free card.
This one may seem a little odd. If I am having a particularly bad day, or I am coming back from injury or illness, or there’s nothing worse I could think of than going out for a run… I allow myself to wear headphones completely guilt free and listen to music, opting for a playlist that I enjoy now or that I know get me motivated to train.
To conclude...
There's really no one-size-fits-all approach to running. Everyone has different styles and preferences. If you enjoy listening to music or podcasts while running, and its what gets you out the door then keep it up. Just consider the benefits of running without headphones and experiment to see what works best for you. You might find that leaving your headphones behind from time to time helps you stay more connected to your body, your environment, and others, making running an even more rewarding and enjoyable experience.