Running from mental illness

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Causes affecting regular mental functioning include external triggers such as negative life events or occurrences, internal pain and disability or chemical and hormone imbalance. However, there are some options available including medication, counselling and now, alternative options that research has proven to be increasingly beneficial and effective in the fight against mental illness.

Karen Nixon Carroll, Fitness 101 program manager and trainer at Fanshawe, explained how physical activity works hand-in-hand with improving mental functioning and decreases symptoms of diagnosed mental illnesses. So not exactly running from, but running as a form of exercise is beneficial in improving mental health as well as physical health.“When you exercise, we have lots of hormones and chemical processing that goes on, so depending on the intensity, you can trigger certain hormones to help you be more alert. It literally improves your mental capacity, and you’re getting your mental endorphins in.”

Not only does exercise benefit internal bodily functions, but it also is a great assistance to prescribed medication as well.

“Anything that can bring you those positive, healthy endorphins and get your adrenaline going in a positive way, is going to help in the long run.”

A common factor that discourages students from participating in an active lifestyle is lack of time. Students must deal with loaded schedules, trying to balance sleep, school, assignments, work and a social life all at the same time. Everybody is always looking for a quick and easy fix, but it’s essential not to fall victim to temptation because the repercussions go beyond what may seem like a simple solution.

“Their quick fix is, ‘I’ll just get a cup of coffee’, but it’s the things that go along with that. They could get their coffee, and then a second and a third, and all of a sudden, they’re dehydrated or now they’re hungry and they go back to the donut shop and get a donut. It’s all those little things that lead to unhealthy habits. Or people will just think, ‘Oh I don’t have time to exercise today, so I’ll just eat way less to keep my calories in check’, and one day is not going to throw your diet into whack, but over time, it’s not a great thing.”

Carroll said the key for students especially is time management.

“Doing those short 10 minute bouts, literally just taking breaks by going on a walk, or maybe even a jog if you need something vigorous… I think it affects your mental well-being just on a normal day.”

Once people have schedules figured out, all that’s left to be done is to set-up a time in a day to just have to one’s self and get the workout in.

Doing something as simple as changing a method of transportation or choosing to take the stairs instead of the elevator goes a long way.

Those engaging in physical activity, and have made it a point to do consistently, will begin to notice results connecting with the new habit.

Short-term benefits include control over urges to munch on unhealthy snacks or meals to avoid diminishing the hard work done at the gym.

Sleeping patterns also improve, as an active body wants that opportunity to recuperate and repair new muscle.

In the long run, individuals can notice a different fitting in their clothing, as well as internal changes such as a more positive and determined outlook on life.

Overall the biggest change individuals will experience is the determination and feeling of purpose to push and continually be active because it has just become routine and something that is a part of a lifestyle.

“When you look at people who are regular exercisers, it’s part of their routine, they don’t even think about it, it’s just what they do. They get up and go about their day, and they work out. It just is. That’s just their life and it’s because they’ve made such a habit out of it, just the same way anybody else would to get a coffee or drinks a beer at the end of the day for destressing.”

Exchange old destressing options like binge eating junk food or drinking for something that will leave a positive effect on the body in the long-run. That is how people know they are in a good place; when the body acknowledges when one is inactive, and physically feeling different in the sense that body is deprived of a good sweat. That is the best type of craving.

So, no more excuses even if you’re feeling down or unmotivated. Ask why it’s important to do these things, and find the push in keeping a healthy active lifestyle. “There is barely any excuse anymore to [not] do something. Even people who are not physically able, I see it all the time with people who are in wheelchairs, or have a certain chronic condition, and they are going hard compared to people who are totally-abled body so.”

Why today doesn't have to suck

1. Beautiful fall colours taking over the city

2. Sleeping in on weekends

3. A fresh cup of coffee or a hearty bowl of soup

4. Breezy bike rides through forests

5. Farmers’ markets and pumpkin patches

6. Apple picking and bumpy truck rides

7. Warm hugs and sweet melodies

8. Tri-coloured sunsets through cloudy skies

9. Cozy campfires and roasted marshmallows

10. Sunday brunch and home cooked meals