‘Tis the season for… seasonal depression. For some, the winter season coupled with holidays and shorter days can bring angst, worry, fear, sadness, isolation, doom, and gloom.
For others, impending struggles with mental health occur year-round, day in and day out, with little reprieve.
Most people have contended with negative feelings and emotions at some point, whether for a day, a season, or a lifetime.
The remedy is CrossFit.
This is not to say that other reputable remedies should be overlooked. Therapy of many types, medicinal intervention, and other forms of physical activity all have a place. So does CrossFit.
Stress Relief
- CrossFit workouts require focus, taking your brain away from daily stressors and negative talk. Think of this as moving meditation where you focus on the next rep or the next lift.
- CrossFit workouts push your limits in strength and endurance, allowing your body to release physical and mental tension.
Confidence and Self-Esteem
- Smashing goals and hitting personal records provides a sense of accomplishment.
- The challenges in CrossFit are built in achievable levels, allowing for continued growth, improving self-efficacy both inside and outside the gym.
- CrossFit teaches you how to push through discomfort, building mental resilience and enhancing emotional regulation.
Endocannabinoid System
- In short, endocannabinoids are generated in response to high intensity activities and can act as circuit breakers in your brain which help you feel good by improving your mood, increasing euphoria, and regulating pain. Think runner’s high (Matei, 2023).
Nutrition
- Participating in CrossFit workouts requires fuel for your body. A healthy diet to fuel for performance will also promote healthy brain function.
Sleep
- Fitness, sleep and mental health are interconnected. Adding CrossFit to your routine can promote sleep as a result of physical exertion as well as improve the quality of that sleep cycle. Better sleep = happier brain.
Community
- Working out with friends is fun! CrossFit fosters a supportive community where you’re never alone.
- The CrossFit community is there to motivate you on your toughest days and celebrate you during your wins no matter how big or small.
- Having a sense of belonging can help break patterns of isolation and negative self-talk.
This season - and every season - set goals for your physical and mental health:
- Work out 3-5 times per week
- Practice positive self-talk
- Stay connected to people that make you feel seen and supported
- Practice self-compassion and acknowledging all your accomplishments
- Find gratitude in celebrating others
- Balance responsibilities and fun
- Celebrate small wins
- Sleep 7-9 hours each day
- Take rest days
- Eat your vegetables
- Stay hydrated
We can do hard things when we do them together.
Reference:
- Matei D, Trofin D, Iordan DA, Onu I, Condurache I, Ionite C, Buculei I. The Endocannabinoid System and Physical Exercise. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jan 19;24(3):1989. doi: 10.3390/ijms24031989. PMID: 36768332; PMCID: PMC9916354.
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