Why I Run: Table Mountain, My Sensory Anchor

Every Saturday morning, long before the city stirs, I wake up at the crack of dawn and head to Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. This is my happy space. My reset button. My nervous system anchor.

I meet my running friend, and together we move. Sometimes we run, sometimes we walk, sometimes we even shuffle along, and occasionally we climb. We stop often. To catch our breath and take photos. To simply stand still and absorb the awe-inspiring mountain. There is something profoundly regulating about being surrounded by nature at its best.

This ritual is not about pace or performance.

It’s about connection, regulation, and nourishment for my body, my brain, and my nervous system.

Table Mountain As A Sensory Diet

At Sensory Intelligence®, we talk a lot about sensory diets. These are intentional activities that meet our individual sensory needs and help us stay regulated, focused, and resilient.

My Saturday mornings on the mountain are a perfect example of this in action.

🌿 Nature input that calms and grounds
🏃‍♀️ Movement input that regulates my nervous system
🌬️ Proprioceptive and vestibular input through climbing, uneven terrain, and steady rhythm
🤍 Social engagement that nourishes emotional wellbeing

This is not indulgence. This is essential nervous system care.

Movement: Medicine For The Brain And Body

The research is clear: movement supports physical health, emotional regulation, focus, attention, and overall wellbeing. When I move my body on the mountain, I am activating my movement system in a way that feels purposeful and joyful, not forced or transactional.

This kind of movement:

• Reduces stress hormones
• Improves mood and mental clarity
• Supports long-term health and resilience

It helps me manage the daily demands of:

• Running a business
• Being a mother
• Having a child at university
• Navigating the complexities of life

Movement doesn’t have to happen in a gym to be powerful. Sometimes, it happens on a mountain trail at sunrise.

Nature: One Of Our Most Powerful Healers

I truly believe that nature is one of our core healers. Being on Table Mountain reminds me that I am part of something bigger. It slows me down, widens my perspective, and creates space to breathe – literally and emotionally.

Nature helps us:

• Regulate our nervous systems
• Reduce anxiety and overwhelm
• Restore attention and focus
• Feel connected rather than isolated

In a world that is loud, fast, and demanding, nature gently invites us back to ourselves.

Social Connection Matters More Than We Think

Another vital part of my Saturday ritual is social connection. Walking and running alongside a trusted friend allows space for real conversation about life’s worries, excitement, uncertainty, and joy.

Being heard, feeling supported, and being part of a community that shows up, regardless of what life throws at you.

This social engagement is a powerful regulator of our nervous systems and a cornerstone of emotional wellbeing.

It’s Not A Luxury, It’s A Necessity

Something as simple as a walk or run on a mountain can hold so many benefits. This is why I encourage every individual I work with (and everyone reading this) to reflect on the activities or places in their lives that make them feel calm, content, and alive.

Ask yourself:
What regulates me?
What fills my cup?
What helps me show up as my best self?

Then intentionally build those things into your life. Because self-care is not a luxury; it is a responsibility.

When we take care of ourselves, we can better care for others.

A Message For You

Happy running.
Happy walking.
Happy biking, rowing, swimming, hiking.

Whatever keeps your body moving and your nervous system nourished. Your body and brain will thank you.

The Sensory Matrix™ is an online self-assessment that determines your unique sensory profile across all 7 senses. It provides simple, easy-to-implement sensory strategies tailored to your sensory needs for nervous system regulation, helping you stay happy, healthy, and productive.

Learn more about the Sensory Matrix™