World Mental Health Day: How Mental Health Shapes Our Fitness Journey

Every year, on October 10th, we observe World Mental Health Day. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting positive mental health for all. In a world that increasingly acknowledges the importance of mental wellbeing, this day serves as a powerful reminder to check in with ourselves and others. And while the conversation around mental health is growing stronger, there’s a particular area where mental wellbeing is often overlooked: our fitness journeys.

When we think about working out, we typically focus on the physical benefits: building muscle, losing weight, improving cardiovascular health, and feeling more energetic. But what’s often missed in this discussion is how deeply interconnected physical and mental health are. For those who exercise regularly, mental health can play a huge role in determining how successful or sustainable their fitness journey is.

We all know that exercise is good for us. It improves our mood, helps fight off depression and anxiety, and promotes better sleep - all crucial components of a well-rounded mental health regimen. Whether it’s a morning jog, a yoga session, or a hard-hitting weight training workout, moving your body releases endorphins. This is why we often hear the term "runner’s high." It’s that euphoric feeling after an intense workout when stress seems to melt away.

But beyond these immediate effects, maintaining mental health is critical for achieving long-term fitness goals. Exercise isn’t always easy. There are days when motivation is low, when life gets overwhelming, or when results aren’t coming as quickly as we’d hoped. It’s in these moments that mental resilience becomes key. Without a balanced mental state, it’s easy to fall into negative patterns like self-criticism, comparison, or even giving up entirely.

In today's age of social media, comparison can easily become a pitfall, especially in fitness communities. Scroll through Instagram or TikTok, and you'll see countless photos and videos of people with perfect abs, toned muscles, or what seems like the ideal body. While these images can be motivating, they can also lead to an unhealthy obsession with looks rather than health.

It’s important to recognize that everyone’s body is different. Genetics, lifestyle, diet, and other factors all play a role in how we look. Just because someone on social media has a certain body type doesn’t mean you can, or should, look the same way. The problem with constantly comparing ourselves to others is that it shifts the focus from our personal progress to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media rarely shows the full story: the struggles, the bad days, or the sacrifices behind those perfect snapshots.

When we begin to obsess over how others look, it can lead to an unhealthy relationship with exercise. Instead of enjoying the process and focusing on health, we start working out as a punishment or to meet some unattainable ideal. This mindset can lead to burnout, disordered eating, or even injuries as we push ourselves too hard, too fast.

Fitness should always be about feeling good, both mentally and physically, not about achieving some arbitrary aesthetic standard. This means understanding that health comes in many forms and doesn’t always look like a magazine cover. In fact, some of the people with the most aesthetically pleasing bodies might not be the healthiest. Over-restriction, overtraining, and obsession with body image can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia.

It’s also important to recognize the danger of overtraining. Many people get caught up in the idea that more is better, especially if they’re chasing a certain look. But our bodies need rest just as much as they need activity. Pushing yourself without proper recovery can lead to fatigue, injuries, and mental burnout. Listening to your body and recognizing when you need a break is a crucial part of mental health in fitness.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the visual side of fitness, but it’s far more rewarding to focus on goals that improve your overall wellbeing. Set benchmarks like running a certain distance, improving flexibility, or feeling more energetic throughout the day. These types of goals are sustainable, achievable, and boost both physical and mental health.

Rest days are just as important as workout days. Overworking your body without allowing it time to recover can lead to injuries, and overworking your mind without breaks can lead to burnout. Listen to your body’s signals and give yourself permission to take time off when needed.

If you find yourself feeling inadequate or overwhelmed after scrolling through your feed, it’s time for a social media detox. Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself and instead fill your feed with people who promote body positivity, self-care, and realistic fitness journeys. There’s no shame in protecting your mental health by creating a supportive digital environment.

Progress is progress, no matter how small. Whether it’s lifting a little more weight, running a bit farther, or simply feeling more confident, take time to appreciate your achievements. Celebrating small wins helps keep you motivated and reminds you that every step forward is a victory.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of fitness or body image, it’s okay to talk about it. Whether it’s with a friend, a family member, or a mental health professional, opening up can help lighten the load. Sometimes, just acknowledging that you’re struggling is the first step toward finding balance again.

World Mental Health Day is a reminder that mental health matters just as much as physical health. For those of us who are active or on a fitness journey, it’s essential to remember that taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies. Exercise can be a powerful tool for improving mental health, but it can also become toxic if we lose sight of what’s really important: our overall wellbeing.