Is it possible to “think” yourself into wellness even if you have a mental illness? It is a well known fact the two have a cycle effect upon one another, but to what extent will the one (mental illness, emotional distress) negatively affect the other? Is it possible for us to help our health and wellness if we have a mental illness? Is medicine and counselling the only answers?
Research reveals that mental illness is likely to shorten a life by as much as 25 years and is often the catalyst behind alcohol and drug abuse, overeating and lack of exercise leading to heart disease, obesity and diabetes. The greater question is, “Can someone with a mental illness, help themselves become completely healthy (body, mind and spirit)?” The good news is “yes” but it takes medical intervention, counseling/therapy and an effective approach to physical fitness to retrain our entire body, mind and spirit to receive the benefits. One without the other(s) will only lead you part of the way to the overall benefits all three provide together.
Stress triggers = Fat storage
Stress in the brain equals stress in the body. When we are emotionally stressed-out, the body responds through raising our cortisol levels which affects the way our body stores fat. Exercise helps increase our endorphins (feel good hormone released through the hypothalamus in our brain) balancing our emotions and increasing our metabolism. Without exercise, the brain lacks the stimulation it needs to elevate the hormones our body requires to stay in balance. So how does someone muster up the strength and desire to become physically healthy when emotionally stressed-out? Personal training or at the very least joining a fitness group is an excellent place to start.
Unless you have struggled with emotional disorders or mental illness, you cannot imagine the daily struggle someone experiences who lives with this condition. Mental illness is not something you can simply “shake-off” or get over. On top of that, most medications have a sedative effect on the brain calming down the confusion and overwhelming stimulation the brain experiences through mental illness. Before you try an exercise routine, make sure to check with your doctor about your entire wellness plan and if exercising will help you in your condition.
Personal Trainer/Life coaching
The benefit to exercise is its natural effect on the brain (endorphins). So how do you combine the two? Bill Meyers of Meyers Fitness in Norfolk, Va., (http://hamptonroads.com/2012/08/gain-strength-physical-and-mental)is an expert when it comes to the dynamics of training the body and mind to work together physically.
“A consistent exercise program can drastically benefit mental illness such as anxiety disorders or depression. Taking a closer look at the details and symptoms surrounding these illnesses, you will find self doubt, low self esteem, restlessness, and more.
Simply looking at the initial benefits of exercise, each of the aforementioned symptoms are addressed. Upon learning a new skill or exercise that may take some time to accomplish, self doubt can begin to reverse. You learn how to allow yourself to believe in yourself again.”
Neurological disorders can benefit from physical fitness and help to balance the hormones produced through the brain’s hypothalamus. Hormonal changes affect us physically and emotionally as we age. Decreased estrogen and testosterone levels affect emotions, energy levels and ability to rest.
A personal fitness coach should possess the ability to see your life as a complete picture, including your physical fitness and emotional wellness. Your “coach” should be prescribing a plan of action that includes:
*Journaling – Write down everything you eat and what your activities include each day.
*Diary – Daily write down how you feel (the positive and negative emotions) so you can start to see how your body is improving as you change your approach to wellness. Progress is a powerful motivator.
*Weigh-in – If you are overweight, you must learn to keep yourself accountable, every single day. It is much more beneficial and motivational for you to see the results as you progress.
Calorie Counter is one of the best downloadable applications I’ve found (phone or computer) for monitoring, logging, journaling and tracking your physical, emotional and nutritional progress. It has a “community” of like-minded people who understand you and what you are going through. Building relationships are vital to building momentum, and you seek to help your body, mind and spirit become one!
Quick Tips for Wellness: Help your emotional state of mind through a practical approach to wellness that includes exercising your body, mind and spirit to become one.
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