Mental Health Fitness? Crazier Than Ever
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Fitness and wellness have become an increasingly important aspect of people's lives, and with improved access to health information and technology, people are better equipped to treat their illnesses and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
When people take control of their health and put in the work, it's an important opportunity to reflect on our mental health and overall wellness, and this can inspire some serious creativity, too. The things people do to enhance their physical health can actually help with their mental health, too, by reducing stress, boosting confidence, or even helping to reduce mental illnesses.
It's hard to deny that when we improve our physical health, we also improve our mental health. So it makes sense that both could go hand-in-hand.
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But is that truly the case? Here's what you need to know:
Mental illness isn't something you can just "snap out of."
Many people are hesitant to admit they've experienced mental illness and other serious mental health issues because they worry that if they're finally able to get help for their mental health issues, they'll no longer be able to function the same way as they used to.
They may assume that by taking care of their physical health, they'll be able to strengthen their mental health, too. However, the relationship between physical and mental health isn't so simple gym or train because they worry they'll be judged by people who don't understand that fitness and health don't have to be about weight loss.
"Anyone who thinks [sport] will help them, especially someone suffering from mental health issues, needs to realize that it's not a cure-all," says Los Angeles-based bodybuilder Helen Tung, MS, RDN, CDN. "Healthy eating and regular exercise are important for all areas of our life. It doesn't matter if your best friend runs marathons or does rock climbing, what matters is that they're eating right, exercising and feeling good about themselves."
If fitness does help people cope with mental health issues, people tend to prefer more intense forms of exercise. "It is important to note that most people don't need to look any different to be able to perform a number of aerobic activities," says Craig Silva, Ph.D., director of applied health research at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL.
While exercise is generally safe for everyone, the level of stress you're under may dictate what is best for your mental health.
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The effects of mental illness can be challenging to overcome.
"I see a lot of clients who feel they have to choose between good mental health and physical health, and I'm afraid there are some mental illnesses like depression or anxiety that can be 'cured' by exercise, but I think it's more likely that they'll have to learn to cope with symptoms while making efforts to pursue other positive goals in life," says Tung.
Being mentally
healthy involves a lot of hard work, so it's often much easier to do the former over the latter.
Being a healthy eater or physically active may not be the best way to manage a mental illness.
"I do not think that weight loss is the key to mental health," says Tung. "The type of physical activity people choose is a far more important factor. If someone has to choose between eating healthily and exercising, I think the best thing they can do is to eat well and exercise. It doesn't matter if they are overweight or slim. Healthy eating and exercise can actually improve mental health by making people more in touch with themselves, more aware and more comfortable in their own skin."
The fitness industry is rapidly changing.
As we've seen, fitness trends are the result of both popular demand and necessity. Healthy, safe, and fun workouts tend to be a staple of mainstream fitness regimens, and so it makes sense that they can help people better manage their mental health.
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