Mental health has become sort of a mainstream struggle that we deal with in today's society. It seems like everyone deals with some form a mental health issue whether it is anxiety, depression or just the feeling that you aren't good enough.
One reason for this up and coming struggle of mainstream mental health issues is the need to get "likes." Whether it's a like on a picture you posted on Instagram or Facebook on a picture you posted or for someone to like you back in person, each day we are yearning for these "likes."
Personally, I get caught up in the idea that I am not good enough in the way that I look. Because of this struggle, I have decided to better myself for myself and not for others through taking better care of my body. For the past couple months I have been working out 3-4 times a week and here are a few reasons why you should begin taking care of your body as well and how it can improve your soul and your mental health:
1. Working out gives you time to clear your head.
The hour or two that I take out of my day to workout and work on my body gives me the time to think. I am able to analyze my decisions better as well as better understand how I can improve upon these decisions. Along with that, I am also able to finally let go of what has been bothering me and find some peace.
2. Working out gives you the alone time that you deserve.
Personally, I like to workout alone. I have always been this way. I like to workout at my own pace and even though there are hundreds of people around, I am in my own little world. This is so important because constantly being around someone else and living in their world doesn't allow for you to create your own world and your own thoughts. However, working out with a partner would be great, too, if they are able to motivate you the way that you need.
3. Working out relieves anxiety symptoms.
I have a long history with anxiety. One symptom that I struggle with due to this mental illness is insomnia. I can stay up for hours and hours and try to sleep and I just can't. After a workout session, I am much more tired physically and my mind has had a chance to be at rest and at peace at least for a while and I live by this method of relieving anxiety symptoms.
4. Working out makes you healthier.
This might be the most obvious point that I can make but maybe the most important as well. I know my daughter wants me to be the best that I can be and this is not only on the outside but on the inside. Also, my healthy choices in the gym carry out to the rest of my life whether it be what I eat or how much sleep I get, my daughter benefits from it as well.
Get out there, make a difference in your mind, body, and soul all at once. The results may not be immediate but if you give yourself the chance to hang in there, I guarantee your life will improve in more ways than one.
