We all have our demons, some may have more than others. The intensity of these demons vary from person to person. BUT it is our responsibility to minimize the effect they have on us as people. We all go through different shit in our lives, but what makes you the person that you are is how you cope with and overcome these struggles.
I have tried numerous methods in the past to deal with anger, sadness, grief, failure etc. It wasn’t until I found fitness that I actually figured of something productive to occupy myself during tough times. It sure beats punching everything in sight just to feel something…. leaving you to feel even worse than when you started.
The reason fitness is so crucial to your mental health is because it allows you to set goals for yourself. It allows you to look forward to doing something in the day. It makes you push past barriers and become a better version of yourself. The biggest thing with working out for me is the actual workout. The pressure on your muscles, the shortness of breath. That is what I look forward to everyday. Yeah, you might have something tough thats on your mind, but then it is up to you to make your workout even tougher than that. So for those 10-20 seconds in the middle of your set all your worries go away and that is the only thing you are focusing on. All your energy and focus is on something else for a change.
The further and more consistently you push yourself the better results you’re going to get obviously physically but more so mentally. Then it starts going in full circle because the better you look physically, the better you will feel mentally.
Don’t get me wrong though, looking good physically is much more than lifting weights or doing cardio. How well you look and feel I believe is 70% in the kitchen and 30% in the gym.
When you eat healthy you start picking up good habits like cooking, waking up earlier, being more productive. Let me run you through this scenario… You wake up early in the morning to eat your breakfast that you will cook because it is cost efficient. You have the whole day ahead of you. You go to the gym, get your stress out. Drink a lot of water. You eat your next healthy meal. Now its only 12 o’clock and you’ve been through the bulk of your day and time is on your side. You have the entire day to clean your room, organize your drawers, do homework etc. You don’t feel such a need to lay down all day because you’re full of energy, your endorphins are high and your mood is better.
Food has such a strong effect on your mood and lifestyle it is actually ridiculous. Start making slow changes such as replacing chips with an apple, or soda with water. It is such a contagious habit that once you start doing it all your meals will slowly incorporate all the nutrition your body needs. Give it a try and let me know how your daily routines change for the better!
Kenny's Blog 