Working Out Mental Health

Studying abroad my junior year of college was tough for me. It wasn’t easy to adapt to new people, new class style and a new culture all together. It was recommended to me to start working out and running. One day I was doing squats, and I guy came up to me who told me that I was squatting wrong. He said that I should ask a trainer for help. I took no offense because that is part of the culture and just stuck to running the rest of the trip. When I got back to school in America, I joined the power lifting club which taught me how to properly lift and train.

Skip to my senior year and I’m still working out with the team. Then this little thing called COVID-19 hits and I must leave school, not get to walk on the stage for graduation, be socially distant from everyone, and on top of it all the job market sucks. Luckily, I had this new coping mechanism. I bought some adjustable dumbbells and used YouTube to continue working out from my unfinished basement.

Having nice muscles and lifting more weight is a biproduct of why I work out. Sure, it’s nice to flex occasionally, but that doesn’t keep me going. What keeps me going is the feeling I get from working out. It’s scientifically proven that working out releases endorphins in our brains that reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression. It also boosts self-esteem and energy levels, improves sleep, and strengthens your heart and bones.

Using the reason of mental health has made me consistent and loving it. I’m not saying that working out will fix all your problems and everything is going to be all sunshine and rainbows. I still go through hard times. It’s been a great way for me to blow off steam. Going to the gym angry will push you to new levels.