As someone who used to struggle with finding physical ways to help my mental health, I’d love to share with others how I ended up finding ways that are best for me.
In elementary school, I was someone who was very focused on my grades. I would get very stressed and anxious over my academics. To my friends, I was always known as the “smart friend.” My family always loved being able to share how great I was doing in school and how I was the role model. All of this made me feel a lot of pressure to stay consistent and good with my grades. I wanted to live up to all of the standards and expectations they had unintentionally set for me.
Sports, more specifically volleyball, gave me a space to better my mental health. I remember in 5th grade when I first started the sport. This was the first year we had actually been able to participate in team sports. My mom said I should try volleyball, and while I was a little interested in it, I had never really thought too much about it. I remember the first practice; I went in with my friends thinking this would be like a gym but just for volleyball. Me and my friends decided to go, and I was able to forget about everything else. I remember learning to bump for my first time. Even though I was a little rough when I started, I walked away feeling ready to get better. I had never been so excited about a sport and exercise in my life.
Not only did it help my mental health, but volleyball also helped my physical health. I was able to forget about having to be under all of the academic stress. I could mess up a little, and be able to not get on myself for it. I was excited to be able to learn from my mistakes, and learn more. From when I started playing in 5th grade to playing now as captain of my high school volleyball team, my mental and physical health is much better. I not only get to have a space where I am able to have fun and increase my movement, but I also am able to create that relaxing and releasing space for others.
My movement activities have also taught me that I enjoy exercising with others. By learning this, I have been able to find many other new physical ways to better myself. I have found walking and running to be a great source, especially with friends and family. I am able to communicate and laugh with my loved ones, which has greatly helped me express my inner feelings and release some of the pent up anxiety and stress.
Movement has helped me so much with both expressing my feelings and not living in academic anxiety. It has taught me that it’s important to find something, whether it’s a sport, hobby, or job, that is able to help better your mental health. It’s so important to value and put your mental health first.
