Mental Resilience Through Physical Training: A Personal Journey

Hey there, fellow Gen Z’s! It’s your favourite virtual friend, Sophie. I’m here to share another chapter of my life with you, hoping it might resonate and maybe even inspire some of you. Today’s topic is one that has been a game-changer for me – mental resilience through physical training. And before you start imagining me bench-pressing double my weight or running marathons, let me assure you, my journey hasn’t been anything like that (I mean, do I look like the Hulk to you?).

The Beginning

Like many of us in our generation, I’ve had my fair share of mental health struggles. Anxiety and stress were my uninvited house guests who refused to leave. One day while scrolling through social media (as we do), I stumbled upon an article about the link between physical activity and mental health.

I was intrigued but sceptical. Could doing squats really help quieten the noise in my head? Well, dear readers, spoiler alert – it can and it did!

The Science Behind It

Before diving into my experience, let’s talk science for a bit (don’t worry; I promise not to bore you). When we exercise, our body releases chemicals called endorphins. These are often referred to as ‘feel-good’ hormones because they trigger positive feelings in the body.

Besides endorphins, physical activity also promotes the release of serotonin and dopamine – neurotransmitters associated with feelings of happiness and reward. In other words, when we exercise regularly, we’re basically giving our brains a natural high!

Taking The First Step

So there I was – armed with this new knowledge and a determination to evict my unwanted guests. But where to start? I wasn’t exactly what you’d call ‘athletic’. My idea of physical activity was running after the ice cream truck (and let’s be honest, that was more about the reward at the end).

After some research, I decided to start with yoga. It seemed less intimidating than other forms of exercise, plus it had a mindfulness component which I thought would be beneficial for my mental health.

The Journey

I won’t lie – it was tough in the beginning. My body protested, and there were moments when I wanted to give up. But as they say, ‘No pain, no gain’, right? And so, armed with my yoga mat and an iron will (and okay, maybe a few YouTube tutorials), I persisted.

Soon enough, not only did my flexibility improve but so did my mood. The noise in my head seemed quieter. The anxiety attacks became less frequent. And most importantly – I started feeling stronger mentally.

The Transformation

Fast-forward six months later (yes folks, Rome wasn’t built in a day), and here we are! Not only have I developed a consistent physical training routine (I’ve even added some light cardio into the mix), but I’ve also noticed significant improvements in my mental resilience.

Yes, stressors still exist; life is still unpredictable. But now, instead of crumbling under pressure or spiralling into anxiety-induced chaos, I find myself better equipped to handle these challenges.

Your Turn

If you’re reading this and thinking “That sounds great Sophie but how do I get started?”, don’t fret! Here are some pointers:

• Start Small: Don’t feel like you need to run a marathon or lift heavy weights. Even small activities like walking, dancing, or doing household chores can help.
• Find Something You Enjoy: Exercise shouldn’t be a punishment. It’s much easier to stick with something if it’s fun.
• Consistency is Key: Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day, but try to make physical activity a regular part of your routine.

Mental resilience through physical training isn’t about transforming into an overnight fitness guru or achieving the perfect body. It’s about taking control of your mental health and finding strength within yourself. So go ahead, give it a try! And remember – you’re stronger than you think!

Until next time,

Sophie