I’ve written about it before, but the way different aspects of our health connect is fascinating to me. I often think about the connection between my physical health and mental health. To be honest, the main reason I focus on my physical health is because of the way it helps me manage my mental health. But today, I want to talk about the unique purpose that certain activities have. Everything serves a purpose when it comes to our wellness, and it’s important that we acknowledge that.
The main reason for this post is because of an idea I had a few weeks ago. I recently started working out at my gym again, and enjoyed the impact that had on my mental health. I’ve always tried to make time for my physical health, but it was hard to gain any momentum since the pandemic began. This felt like one of the first times I got into a rhythm with exercise.
In the same vein, I was also having some very good moments in my therapy sessions. The sessions were heavy, but they also gave me a lot of new insights about my personality and how I view the world. I was leaving some of these sessions a little lighter, with a goal to take what I learned and use it in my every day life.
Over the years, each of these activities has provided boosts when I needed them. They’ve allowed for introspection and learning what matters to me and how I can achieve that. But up until recently, I didn’t realize what unique benefits they give. While both of these things boost my mental health, I can’t substitute one for the other. Each activity gives me something I need, but there’s no substitute for them.
When I’m in the throes of depression or anxiety, I’m usually looking for something to get me out of feeling that way. In those moments, I long for something that can do it all for me in that moment. I want something to take away the sadness, take away the stress, clear my mind and boost my mood.
But in that desperate search for that one thing, I miss out. There are SO many things that can help my health and wellness, and they’re all connected. Each moment of my day connects in a way that results in the way I’m feeling – including when I exercise and go to therapy. Each activity serves a unique purpose, and the reason I look forward to them is that I’m starting to realize that.
There are so many things in life that have the capacity to give us what we need. When I do the things I love or things I know are good for me, I’m building up a healthy foundation instead of a house of cards. And there’s no limit to the amount of things we can do to make that foundation strong.
My Brain's Not Broken 