At 22, I experienced my first major anxiety attack. My inability to cope with the demands of schoolwork and my personal insecurities got the better of me and I was at my lowest.

I was going through a hard time at that moment because I was married to a person that end up being a complete stranger at the end of the separation. It took me a couple of months to recover and sort myself out. In that period, I kept to myself and my only form of solace was heading to the gym, where I found the strength to pick myself up.

It has been more than 2 years since I picked up my first dumbbell and it has undeniably helped me get to where I am now, physically and mentally. I’m not saying that working out has completely removed my anxiety issues but it has definitely proved to be a useful coping mechanism. More than just a temporary remedy, the benefits of having a good workout at any time of the day motivates me to live the best version of my own life. Here’s what I’ve learned in my journey towards mental and physical wellness.

Main reasons why I find fitness so important:

1.Keeping a healthy lifestyle cultivates discipline 

I’ve learned that the idea of discipline doesn’t need to be a rigid one. Being disciplined is to exercise some flexibility and be accountable to oneself. At the end of the day you will be amaze of what you can achieve if you have discipline.

2. It’s a journey.

Being healthy takes discipline and dedication. As we get better at something, we naturally push ourselves to be even better than before. Tracking your progress and constantly aiming to improve help to keep the momentum going. Smashing those personal records not only gives you a boost in self-esteem, but is also an affirmation of all the hard work that you’ve put in.

My anxiety has improve immensely over the years. Whenever I feel negative about myself or if something is bothering me, my best solution is to sweat it out at the gym. I also find myself reflecting on the day’s activities during my rest periods. That kills two birds with one stone! Emotionally, I feel much happier and less stressed after a workout. I believe that when your fitness regime becomes a part of your life, it becomes an activity that you’ll look forward to every day!