Working Out for Mental Health

Usually when you think of working out you would think of your physical health. It's true that it can really help our body become stronger and healthier, can even cause us to lose unwanted weight. But it also has a big affect on our minds.

Working out releases endorphins into the brain. These are chemicals or hormones that are usually released when you are under stressful situations. But it is also common for them to be released during pleasurable activities, including exercise. These hormones help reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being. It can also, in some cases, reduce physical pain.

Some of you may be thinking, "but I don't like to exercise." I completely understand you are coming from. To be honest, even though I like exercising, I don't always want to do it. It's like I know that it is good for me. Especially with my anxiety, it would do wonders for me. But between my anxiety and depression, I just can't find the motivation to exercise. This is when I need to look for the motivation outside of myself.

One way to find motivation is to have a workout buddy. The first step of course would to find a partner. Someone who know will keep you accountable. Next, sit down together and write out a workout schedule. You now have a reason to go, because you made plans with them. "But I don't feel well enough to drive to the gym. I'm having a bad mental health day". Carpool. You don't have to drive, your friend can. Plus, who said you had to go to a gym? Gym memberships now days can be very expensive. Why not try at home workouts? Then you could workout in your pajamas and no one will care.

Another way to get motivation, I do this personally, watch other people workout. Yeah, I know that may seem a little weird, but trust me on this. Watching You-Tube videos of vloggers with a healthy lifestyle, or even going on to Instagram or TikTok. What happens with me is, if I see someone else do it, and I see how good they feel, it makes me want to do it too so I can also feel good. Give it a try. You might be surprised.

"But I don't like exercising. This comes with time. Perhaps start with a workout routine you would actually look forward too. For example, swimming, basketball, yoga, dance classes, maybe just going out for a bike ride or a walk. It doesn't need to be anything complicated. My go to when I don't feel like exercising is either going for a walk, or yoga. And it doesn't have to be for a long time. Ten or fifteen minutes will be enough. I like to find yoga videos on You-Tube and follow along. As for a yoga mat, Amazon has some really nice ones. I prefer thicker mats mostly because I have weak wrists.

But if you want to go all in, that's totally fine too. I would recommend that you invest in some home workout equipment. It the long run it really saves you money. Let's think about it for a moment. Let's say you spent $100 on home workout equipment, and your equipment lasts you, let's just say, 15 years. That's a one time payment. Now lets say instead you bought a gym membership for $25 a month. After 15 years, that will come to $4,500. See the difference? I think it's obvious.

So what's the take away from all of this? For one, working out can relieve stress and keep you physically healthy. Two, find motivation by having a partner, or watching others. Third, the love of exercise comes with time, so find something you can enjoy. And finally, it's more cost effective to workout at home even with the equipment. So, what are you waiting for?