Mental Health and Exercise

It’s incredible how fast we can lose our fitness, strength and healthy perspectives when we stop exercising.

So many stop and start for different reasons. The key is to understand that life will have waves, some so huge it’s hard to breathe while under them. Some so big it’s impossible to see clearly. Some so long we let go of everything that doesn’t feel like a necessity. Letting go of your regular exercise habits during these times is the worse thing you could do. And sadly for many it is the first thing removed.. not the alcohol, the cigarettes or the time spent procrastinating. It’s often the one positive thing people are doing for themselves, yet it’s the first to go.

It’s obvious that it shouldn’t be but it takes practice learning to say NO I won’t quit this habit that will keep me focused, clear and ready for all the battles

Over the last few weeks I’ve exercised sporadically and have been consuming way more food, sugar and alcohol and haven’t had enough sleep. I felt in the last week so flat, a bit down and unmotivated.

I did my first ‘break the ice’ workout yesterday and it reminded me how essential exercise is for our mental well-being. We forget the feelings too quickly. I felt clear headed, motivated and positive instantly.

What if this year you commit to exercise 3 x a week purely for your mental health. You’ll gain a hell of a lot more than that but committing for this reason alone is a strong foundation to build your habits on. What if when times are tough you increase your exercise… do the opposite to most. Once out of the storm you come and tell me how much stronger you were at riding those waves