Mental Health and Fitness

When I look at my life, I see a change in my personality after I workout. I'm more energized, lighter, and just in a better mood overall. I know that when I have a good run or a good ride that I'm a better person. I project a positive vibe that is essential to my happiness. This got me thinking about the mental health aspect of fitness and how I can use workouts to help improve my mood and build strength. There has been a ton of research on the effects of endorphins and pleasure and happiness post workouts. With the addition of a regard on mental health, there is more work to be done. Mental health is something that is a growing concern that psychological and public health researchers are just beginning to scratch. While everyone experiences a chemical reaction from exercise, there are more individual differences in how mental health is altered by our personal behavior.

As Elle Woods told us, Endorphins make you happy and happy people don't kill people. But do you ever feel that you are in a sick cycle of exercise and life? The rut or boredom that can happen with life can make you feel depressed. You lose your locus of control and feel depressed. It's a vicious cycle. This can also happen if you feel there isn't enough of a reward for your hard work. It takes time to lose weight, make life changes, and see the results of your work. When we get into a negative headspace, it can make it seem impossible to escape. This is why we need coping mechanisms and time off. We have to take care of ourselves.

Self care is crucial to our mental and emotional health. In order to stay sane, we have to listen to our bodies. We can make the decision to take a day off. We can make the decision to work out or work a little. We have control. It's important for you to take a moment to feel the control again. So how do we do that?

It takes time to find your thing. Find your moment to recharge and get control of the situation. I like to set up an intention for myself. I prep my outfits for the next day. I set my workout gear out so that I know what I'm going to do and I feel excited about. I know that sometimes life doesn't fit my expectations but I need to force myself to think about what I want from the day. I make it fun for myself. It relaxes me and makes me hold myself accountable. I like that. My thing is to feel in control. It may be a little step but it makes me feel good. It's my thing to give me a sense of control and relaxation. So what's your thing?