{"id":25916,"title":"Mental Health Awareness Blog","description":"Blog - Mental Health Awareness","content":"

Blog - Mental Health Awareness<\/p>

With it being mental health awareness week I wanted to touch upon the impact that exercise can have on your mental well being and the ways in which I try to support others.<\/p>

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I, for one am a far calmer, nicer person, and a better mum and wife to my boys, when I\u2019ve had the opportunity to train. The \u2018feeling\u2019 that exercise induces sets me up for the day and helps me to manage the juggle of family life more effectively. Where possible I prioritise training in the same way I would prioritise a weekly food shop or doing the washing! Some might say I\u2019m mad, others driven, but for me it\u2019s just part of my everyday life and makes me happy. To me exercise and the benefits it brings is key to mental well being.<\/p>

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As a coach I always watch and greet people as they arrive to classes; very quickly you can observe what kind of day a person has had just by looking at their body language.<\/p>

An hour later invariably their mood has lifted; they have a smile on their face and I often hear them comment \u2018I really wasn\u2019t up for this today but I\u2019m so glad that I came and trained\u2019 There is no greater reward than to see someone\u2019s mood visibly improve during the course of a training session and for them to leave in a more positive frame of mind than when they arrived.<\/p>

\ufffc\"qeqogoofuspwzdclbtr9ic2eu01omli0tbc50d6abwynnfpt.jpg\"The beauty of exercise is that for that period of time you have to \u2018park\u2019 whatever else is going on in your life and focus on the task in hand. Kettlebells requires concentration in order to stay safe and get the technique right. You have to push everything that is in your mind aside for that hour!<\/p>

But there is more to training than just the physical benefits of increased strength, reduced body fat and weight loss. It brings a whole host of additional, often unseen, benefits with mental well being, being key!<\/p>

The camaraderie and support that a club has to offer is not to be underestimated. Within a safe and supportive environment you can step outside of your comfort zone, challenge yourself and others to get stronger and become more accomplished. It\u2019s an opportunity to be \u2018you\u2019 and not \u2018mum\u2019 or \u2018dad\u2019 and to leave behind the day job!<\/p>

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The mutual respect and encouragement that individuals offer to each other is paramount. Creating a safe environment where you can \u2018have a go\u2019 and see what can be achieved. Knowing that others around you will support, encourage and celebrate your success also helps to build self esteem.<\/p>

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Friendship is key and the bonds that grow from coming regularly to a class are strong. Knowing that others will be there sharing your journey is vital in staying positive and in turn helps you to return to classes week in, week out!<\/p>

But probably most importantly is the fun and laughter that is had along the way. The \u2018buzz\u2019 that is created when everyone pulls together to nail a hard session; to go home with a sense of pride, achievement and satisfaction.<\/p>

\"ez4macgsysmofclo1rdi1btlvjamwvkgajhkvnnheg6dsk8d.jpeg\"To exercise requires discipline and focus, it has to become a habit and that requires practice and needs to remain a priority. As a coach my job is to plan sessions that are interesting and varied allowing people to see the progress they are making along the way. I need to know when to challenge someone to push on but also to know when to pull back. Overwhelmingly though my job is to support and encourage to allow everyone to succeed and progress at whatever level they are working at.<\/p>

\ufffcMental well being is about being strong in the widest sense and kettlebells allows you to not only be physically strong but mentally stronger too! Sessions can be tough and sometimes you have to dig deep to complete the challenge. It\u2019s about identifying and recognising the inner strength that is inside of you and channelling it to allow you to succeed, even when you are not feeling at your strongest.<\/p>

As I reflect on what mental health week means for members of Hels Bells I think first and foremost it\u2019s all about creating a balance. Balancing the commitments of every day life alongside training! It\u2019s about feeling supported by friends, club members and of course your coach and lastly improving your mental well being is about about being active; strengthening your mind, body and soul.<\/p>

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