How going to the gym helps with my mental health | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Sorry, But Your 'Mental Health' Also Includes Going To The Gym, Working Out, And Being Active

During my highs, and even my lows, one thing that helps my mental health is getting in gains at the gym.

465701
Sorry, But Your 'Mental Health' Also Includes Going To The Gym, Working Out, And Being Active

Editor's note: The views expressed in this article are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Going to the gym is something universally all Americans lack at doing.

It is not a part of the typical routine for us. Usually, many people are too tired or too lazy to go. I feel that unwillingness to go until in 2018 I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. It is something that no one really understands unless you have it as my parents call it "crazy" people.

In fact, there is nothing even crazy about it. It is simply your brain being unable to produce as many endorphins as anyone else.

Now, these two things, the gym and mental health, may seem on total opposite spectrums, but they actually coincide. You see when you exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, not only does it approve your heart, lungs and reduce blood pressure, it also helps produce endorphins post-workout.

These endorphins, personally, help me through the day.

There is no better feeling than after a workout. Maybe it's the science involved, but also the self-esteem you get.

There is such a powerful feeling leaving the gym knowing you pushed your hardest even when you didn't want to. On that day, you wanted to stay in bed but you (a kickass individual) did not let your depression win. You did not stay in bed no matter how comfy it is or how tempting Netflix is. After a few weeks of convincing yourself to not let your depression win, you realize the gym isn't that bad.

In fact, it's awesome.

SEE ALSO: Just Because YOU Need To Work Out For Your Depression Doesn't Mean Everyone Else Does, Too

There is no other place where you and an entire room of people have the same goal in mind, self-improvement. The self-improvement becomes a drug. Each time I go to the gym, I try to leave there a stronger woman I was before mentally and physically. Moving up a weight? The best feeling. It is proof you are trying. No matter how much you want to not go, still go.

A killer workout after you were trying to talk yourself out of before is so rewarding.

You can't control almost anything in life, except if you choose to make yourself better, stronger, and faster.

Not to mention if there's a zombie apocalypse you'll be one step ahead of the couch potato you used to be.

Report this Content
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774690
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

896
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments