People often associate therapy, medicine and relaxation when discussing mental health. The connection between physical and mental health is one that many people overlook.
Consistent physical activity can lower stress and anxiety while also boosting self-esteem. According to Mental Health Foundations, “It contributes to both the prevention of mental health issues and the enhancement of the quality of life for those who already have them.”
Darius Williams, a second-year transfer student at Florida iA&M, has always been a big guy from a young age. Williams transferred from Florida State College in Jacksonville.
While some kids shot up in height or seemed to shed their baby fat as they grew older, Williams just continued to get bigger.
His towering stature and sturdy build were evident even in his early years, and it was something that set him apart from his peers. Standing at six-foot one, weighing 230 pounds.
“I feel like since I started working out my mental health has gotten better. I am now more confident than ever,” Williams said.
As he approached his adolescence, Williams started to realize that the attention he received was very unlike from that of his more athletically developed classmates. Williams frequently had the impression that he was invisible. He couldn’t help but feel that being big was a disadvantage, particularly in a society that tended to praise the lean and muscular.
The definition of fitness is “the condition of being physically fit and healthy,” according to Oxford Languages. Fitness can play a big part in an individual’s mental health when introduced.
“It’s easy to fall into depression when you aren’t doing anything to soothe your mind. If you look good, you feel good.” Williams said.
He started to feel more at ease with himself and stopped basing his self-worth only on the attention he received from other people.
“After a workout,” said Williams, “I experience a huge improvement in my mental state, which encourages me to stay consistent in the gym.”
Williams learned that embracing his uniqueness rather than trying to conform to social norms was the actual secret to pleasure and self-worth as he developed both physically and emotionally.
“Being in the gym is the best feeling ever. I have a clear mind, the people are nice, and I’m bettering my self each day I’m in here. I no longer care about social norms; I like the way I am,” he said.
According to Walden University, from improving endurance to losing weight and increasing muscle tone, there’s no shortage of physical achievements that come about from regular exercise. All those achievements can aadd up to a whopping boost of self-esteem — and the confidence that comes with it.