by Scott Douglas

From a New York Times–bestselling author and lifelong runner, a groundbreaking guide to fighting depression and anxiety one run at a time

There’s no other book like this. Longtime running writer Scott Douglas marshals expert advice (especially his own, cultivated from more than 110,000 miles of personal experience), and a growing body of scientific research to show how running can make us happier.

How? Everyone knows that running builds stronger muscles and a healthier heart; science now shows it also helps develop a healthier brain. For those struggling with depression and anxiety, a consistent running routine can enhance the mental-health benefits of talk therapy, antidepressants, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The key to running’s therapeutic power lies in its lasting physiological effects, inducing changes in brain structure and chemistry that other forms of exercise don’t—including the best mood boost in all of sports, thanks to the body’s release of natural pain-relievers.

Running is my therapy is no longer just a mantra for seasoned runners; with science behind him, Douglas presents proven methods so that we can all use running to improve our mental health and live happier—in and out of running shoes.

“Douglas weaves evidence and personal experience into a helpful, highly-readable user’s guide.”
—Runner's World

“[One of] this spring's best new running books.”—Outside

“Mental health is very important and I encourage others to avail themselves of this excellent book, and of course to keep running!”
—Meb Keflezighi, Boston and New York City Marathon champion, Olympic Marathon silver medalist

“An enlightening read.”—Women's Running

“A great read for anyone interested in the links between exercise, mood, and wellbeing—plenty of clearly presented science, plenty of hard-earned practical experience, and some intriguing suggestions about why running is uniquely powerful compared to other forms of exercise.”
—Alex Hutchinson, New York Times–bestselling author of Endure

“Everyone who cares about mental health needs to read Running Is My Therapy. Scott Douglas lays out all the evidence for running as an effective intervention for depression and anxiety in a way that’s both inspiring and practical.”
—Sepideh Saremi, LCSW, founder of Run Walk Talk therapy

“Scott describes depression as if he were in my own head. Through personal experience and scientific research, he expertly addresses how depression uniquely impacts each one of us, and he inspires readers to harness the mental-health benefits of running to make it out the front door.”
—Rob Krar, two-time Western States Endurance Run champion, founder, Rob Krar Ultra Camp