Working out... or working IT out?
The answer is most likely both, since exercise is used just as much for its physical gains as it is for processing thoughts and working through anxiety, worry and stress.
Movement, in all its forms, has a power like no other to yield perspective, calm and inspiration whenever those stumbling blocks to mental health creep in. This National Workouts and Wellbeing Week, we’re asked Sabrina Stocker and Kristen Stavridis to what extent mental health is a motivation for their fitness endeavours. Here’s what they had to say: 💬 Sabrina Stocker ‘I get asked all the time ‘how are you so positive?’ I haven’t got the ability to have a positive mindset all of the time, but I have got the ability to make myself positive when I’m not where I should be mentally. How do I make the switch? I pick up a tennis racket and get on court. Or I throw on some Cuban music and start salsa dancing. By releasing endorphins through physical activity, it allows me to switch off, reset and go again. And the answer to the question is 'no' I'm not positive all of the time, but I have got the skills and resources mentally to switch it up - and for me that's by staying active and having fun whilst doing so!’
Kristen Stavridis "Exercise is my own form of meditation. Heading into the gym allows me time to work on myself, quieten my mind, and refocus energy or stress into a productive activity that helps my physical and mental wellbeing. Exercise is one of the most powerful activities we can do to help release happy hormones, to increase levels of concentration, to lift our mood and make us feel good inside and out, which is why I am such an advocate of it." National Workouts & Wellbeing Day is supported by Mind charity & Anytimefitness