Road to hope: Running to boost your mental health

Running isn’t just good for physical fitness, it also helps to combat the ill effects of anxiety and depression, says Clodagh Finn

WHEN Sarah Gardiner feels anxious or depressed, she knows what to do. She downs tools, laces up her runners and heads out to see her loyal counsellor — the road.

Putting one foot in front of the other in the open air gives her the time and space to work through whatever is bothering her. “The road really is my counsellor,” she says. “It’s great for anxiety and depression.”