Sometimes you absolutely need a workout more for your mental and emotional health than for your physical health. Like our physical health, our mental health can fluctuate from time to time and occasionally, all of us suffer from a feeling of malaise, whether it’s from grief, anxiety, stress, or depression. You can absolutely resolve symptoms of less than perfect mental or emotional health through exercise and, at least for now, let the physical benefits be secondary to getting the relief you crave.
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FitClub can ease feelings of isolation.When problems arise that negatively impact a person’s mental or emotional health, it’s normal to seek isolation. Some isolation may help people process negative emotions, but long term isolation can exacerbate feelings of sorrow, stress, or depression. Just walking into FitClub can provide a temporary break from isolation. Here, you share a common interest with other FitClub members and you can work out on your own or in a group exercise class without pressure to pretend to be okay when you’re going through something unpleasant.
Clear out the brain fog. Any stressor to your emotional or mental health can induce a feeling of brain-fog making it difficult to concentrate, work, or even think your way through the problem. Exercise has been proven to produce certain hormones and neurotransmitters designed to combat brain fog and let you think more clearly. If you’re wrestling with a difficult emotion or problem, a high intensity exercise session may help you see the problem and the solution more clearly. The influx of endorphins and feel good chemicals is also why exercise is commonly associated with alleviating symptoms of depression.
Regain control. Major life stressors can leave people feeling like they lack control over their own lives, problems, or futures. When you set out to exercise, you can control every movement your body can make on its own. Regaining even a little control can help you feel better. If you need to regain some sense of control in your own life, remember that it’s up to you how you workout, how long you workout, and how hard you workout. Whether you’re working out alone or in one of FitClub’s group exercise classes, this is your opportunity to take charge.
Relax. While most workouts produce a sense of calm and wellbeing when you’re finished, workouts like swimming and yoga actually may help you relax during your workout. Putting your head under water and focusing only on the feeling of the water slipping through your fingers, or relaxing in child’s pose listening only to the sound of your own breathing can have incredible mental benefits. Even better, you can’t hear the nagging cell phone when you’re underwater or hanging in downward dog. Putting your life on hold to focus on yourself can help you recalibrate your emotional and mental health.
Do you workout for your mental and emotional health? Do you have a favorite workout that always makes you feel better?
