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MENTAL HEALTH & FITNESS BENEFITS

Mental Health & What You Can Do About It


What is all complete health and wellness? Does it mean having 6 pack abs or being able to run a marathon? Or is there a bigger picture that many people miss because it is a subject few people talk about today, especially males ages from 20-50. IDENTIFYING MENTAL HEALTH Mental health is an important part of an individual's overall health and well-being. It is a reflection of how we think, feel, and behave. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Good mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It is also the ability to cope with the challenges in life. Everyone has mental health. It changes throughout our lives as we deal with different life experiences and stresses. Just like physical health, mental health can be good or poor, and it can improve or decline over time. There are many factors that contribute to mental health. These include:

  • Biological factors such as genes or brain chemistry

  • Life experiences such as trauma or abuse

  • Family history of mental health problems

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of our lives, we all go through times when our mental health is not as good as it could be. Mental disorders are common but help is available. People with mental illness often do not seek help because they feel embarrassed or ashamed. But mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a medical condition that can be treated but only if it is brought to the surface. COMPLETE MENTAL HEALTH Complete health & wellness is not only about body composition and the choice to either lose fat or gain muscle, but recently more focused on improving mental health and clarity. But when did this shift happen from people wanting to improve their body composition to now wanting to improve their mental health… I’ll give you a big hint, It starts with C and ends with pandemic. The majority of people have greater mental health issues now than ever before since the pandemic lockdown years ago. People became isolated and 1 to 1 social interactions became non existent. People gained unhealthy weight, lost touch with reality and lost relationships that took years to develop. There is no doubt that the pandemic has taken a toll on everyone's mental health. From anxiety and depression to insomnia and stress. It seems like we are all struggling in one way or another. IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH FITNESS But what many people don't realize is that fitness can actually play a big role in improving our mental health. Exercise has been shown to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It can also help to reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and increase energy levels. In addition, being physically active can help to build self-esteem and confidence. When it comes to mental health, it's important to remember that we are all different and what works for one person may not work for another. WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR FITNESS If you want to start incorporating fitness into your lifestyle to improve your mental health, here are some things you can start doing today…

  • Walk Outside

  • Daily Meditation

  • Try a Yoga Class

  • Find a Workout Buddy

  • Join a Boxing or Martial Arts Gym

  • Hire a Personal Trainer for Accountability

  • Participate in a Mud Run or Charity Fitness Event

ADDITIONAL THINGS YOU CAN DO There are other things you can do to support your mental health besides fitness such as:

  • Eating a healthy diet

  • Getting enough sleep

  • Connecting with others

  • Taking breaks from electronics

  • Doing things you enjoy

There are many different types of mental illness, each with its own symptoms, but all of them can take a toll on a person’s mental state. Mental illness can make it hard to hold down a job, maintain relationships or even just get through the day. Mental health disorders are quite common, affecting an estimated one in five adults in the United States alone. Despite their prevalence, mental illnesses are often misunderstood and stigmatized. But there is hope: mental health disorders can be treated and people with mental illness can lead happy, fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health disorder, there is help available. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional about treatment options. There is no shame in seeking help, and mental health disorders are nothing to be ashamed of. With proper treatment, mental illness is manageable and people can lead healthy, successful lives. Until Next Time, -Zak

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