Looking after your mental health

Physical activity is a powerful drug. It can help shift the tide when you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, sad, worried, frustrated or dealing with a major stressor in life. Daily exercise not only has a positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD and PTSD but it is also plays a role in addiction recovery. Because addiction is an illness that changes the structure of the brain and involves compulsive behaviors, exercise can serve as a healthy way to reduce the reduce the risk of relying on alcohol or drugs to cope with emotions.

While staying physically active can help you get through difficult times, it may only temporarily numb the emotions that you are feeling. While I try to do my best to keep others motivated and positived through tough times, I know I can only do so much.

To offer some help during this time, my amazing friend Dr. G (who also happens to be an incredible clinical sport psychologist) will be joining me LIVE on Facebook (at Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition) at 2:30pm EST/11:30am PST on Wednesday 3/25 to discuss the following:

• Reducing the stigma towards mental illnesses. 
• How to work through uncomfortable feelings and emotions (depression, anxiety, fear, worry, loss) without judgement. 
• How to live/function in a time of uncertainty. 
• Recognizing that "athlete self-identity" is separate from who you are as a human being. 
• Identifying your unique qualities, strengths and traits to help you thrive.
• Redefining your purpose of working out and staying active. 
• Limiting social media but recognizing the need to keep authentic connections. 
• Healthy coping mechanisms during stressful times. 

As a reminder, don’t let one disease distract you from treating another. Don't give up on yourself.