How Running Saved My Sanity: The Mental Health Miracle of Jog On

When Bella Mackie laced up her trainers and stepped into the cold, she wasn’t chasing a runner’s high—she was running for her life. Her memoir, Jog On, is more than a tale of personal triumph; it’s a manifesto for anyone who has ever felt paralyzed by anxiety and depression. In this blog, we’ll unpack the book’s most powerful ideas, reveal the science behind running for mental health, and share why Mackie’s story resonates with so many.



From the very first page, Mackie is brutally honest about the depths of her despair. She describes anxiety not as fleeting worry, but as a persistent, shape-shifting adversary—one that can leave you unable to leave the house or even get out of bed. Yet, it’s in these darkest moments that Mackie finds a glimmer of hope. Her first run is awkward, painful, and short. But it’s also a revelation: movement, however clumsy, is a form of agency.

Science backs up what Mackie experiences. Studies show that running releases endorphins and serotonin, chemicals that boost mood and reduce anxiety. More than that, the repetitive motion of running can quiet the mind, offering a rare respite from intrusive thoughts. Mackie’s journey is filled with setbacks—panic attacks, self-doubt, and the ever-present fear of failure—but each run becomes a victory, a small act of rebellion against her illness.



What sets Jog On apart is Mackie’s refusal to claim that running is a miracle cure. She acknowledges that therapy, medication, and support networks are vital. Running is one tool among many, but for her—and for countless others—it’s a tool that works. The memoir is also a call to break the stigma around mental health. Mackie shares her shame about medication, her fears of judgment, and her frustration with a world that often misunderstands anxiety. By sharing her story, she invites others to do the same.

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Jog On is its message of hope. Mackie doesn’t promise easy answers, but she shows that progress is possible. Each step, each breath, each mile is proof that change can happen—even if it’s slow and uneven. For anyone feeling stuck, her story is a reminder that you are not alone, and that healing can begin with something as simple as a run around the block.

Ready to jog on? Let Mackie’s journey inspire your own.