Fitness Column 4 - Mental Health
If we’re not seeing it on the T.V. we’re hearing it on the radio or we’re seeing it on social media, ‘It’s ok to not be ok’.
Mental health awareness is everywhere at the moment and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. We all suffer in our own way, have our own insecurities and anxieties and it’s important to know we’re not alone.
What is important to know are the ways you can combat your daily stresses, anxieties and self-confidence issues.
Some people may get their nose in to a good book, some may wack head phones on and run a few miles, some look to their family and loved ones for support – I, personally, turn to my training.
If I’ve had a particularly rough and stressful day, nothing helps keep that stress under control better than either going to the gym, hitting a fitness class or doing some sort of exerting activity.
Fitness classes are ace to help you build your self-confidence and help work towards your anxiety issues. Be part of a small community that’s welcoming, friendly and where everyone all has the same interests while keeping up with your fitness – winner!
Starting out?
Taking that massive leap and actually walking in to a room can be the most daunting thing in the world. A lot of people I talk to have raised their concerns about taking that first step. I always offer to meet them at the door of the building and we’ll walk in together.
Bring a friend – Studies show that you’re 60% more likely to hit a target when doing it with a buddie. Encourage a friend or family member to come with you, it can really help to know someone when you walk through the door, it calms anxiety and self-confidence issues and you get you have some team building with your chosen work out partner!
The Chemical Boost
We’ve all heard of Endorphins but have you heard of Dopamine? Dopamine is a chemical messenger that carries signals between brain cells. It often gets blamed for addiction – which, can be a good thing.
When you do something you enjoy doing, dopamine gets released as a reward and feels you with good chemicals, that’s half the reason we good back to any certain thing.
Unfortunately, this also works with drugs and alcohol. If a human takes a drug, drinks alcohol, the body releases dopamine because it thinks this abuse is a good thing, hence addiction. Especially smoking.
The same happens when you work out. Have you ever heard someone say, ‘you’re addicted to the gym?’ In some cases, this could be true, a person can get such a dose of dopamine release that they enjoy working out so much, training becomes a big part in their lives.
My point
Stay healthy, join a gym or group exercise and get your endorphin and dopamine release the happy and healthy way, your body will thank you for it in the long run.