04/08/2026
Not something I’d recommend to my clients, and definitely not something I’d advise without careful consideration. But it does highlight an important concept: hormetic stress.
Running is a stress on the body, but in the right amount, it can be a good stress. It encourages your body to adapt, becoming stronger, fitter and more resilient. The same principle applies to strength training, saunas, cold water exposure, fasting and even learning new skills.
The key is that these are short, controlled challenges followed by recovery. Too much stress, too often, without adequate rest? That’s when it becomes harmful rather than beneficial.
Just as muscles need recovery after a workout, your whole body needs time to adapt to the stress you’ve placed on it.
Resilience isn’t built by avoiding stress, it’s built by balancing challenge with recovery.
