MENTAL HEALTH VS LOCKDOWN ELLIE BOUGOURD Confidence, self-image and selfesteem have always been something I have struggled with, even more so during lockdown. I also know that I’m not the only one who has had to fight harder than ever this year to maintain my mental and physical well-being throughout. It is safe to say that everyone has been up against what seems to be an impossible year to keep your head above water as we were all up against some of the hardest challenges we will ever have to face. But this is how health and fitness can have a positive effect on your mental health and well-being. If this article inspires just one person during this second phase of lockdown, I will feel like I have achieved my goal. A little bit about me first; I’m an English Literature and BTEC Sport Student who has a great passion for my courses and hopes to pursue a career in sport (preferably a fitness ambassador/ influencer). I am a huge believer in staying fit and healthy and ultimately, when you look after your body, the mind follows. Exercise has always been a way for me to unwind from the everyday stress that surrounds me like exams, college and relationships as exercising has always been my priority above all else. After some research and a little bit of input from my own experiences, I would like to share with you why I think exercising should become a part of your routine, if it isn’t already.
depression, which seems perfect for positivity into our lives without adding us college students right? Most of any more pressure on ourselves, so be us have experienced the unwanted sure to pursue something you enjoy. symptoms of stress. A pounding heart, Running, flexibility training and body muscle cramps and weight training restlessness are all Confidence, self-image are all exercises we feelings that can can do during the and self-esteem have lead to more stress, lockdown period always been something I creating a vicious when there are no struggled with, even more gyms accessible. cycle between your so during lockdown. mind and body. Remember exercise However, I can doesn’t have to be almost guarantee that by simply getting super intense; anything to get the heart yourself active at least 1-3 times a week, rate up will do the job. it will clear your mind and give you a Exercising gives me a real sense sense of clarity, making it easier for of accomplishment, making me feel you to direct your attention and focus stronger, both mentally and physically. on the everyday. I would recommend It gives me the confidence to tackle taking part in activities where you daily struggles head on instead of are able to track your progress. hiding away from them. Ultimately, This will give an increased sense of this has helped me to grow as a person accomplishment and you will be able and achieve personal goals that I never to watch yourself improve every week. thought were possible. Of course, we are trying to implement
As most of us know, exercise has been shown to improve your mood and decrease feelings of depression. If you didn’t already know, exercising our body releases chemicals called endorphins which give us feelings of positivity. It produces changes in parts of the brain which regulate stress and anxiety while relieving symptoms of PAGE 5
DECEMBER 2020
