Over two thirds of the way through spin class as we were
approaching the peak of our last climb, the spin coach screamed out “Do the
work, you can do it”. Instantly after a half second pause I heard my inner
voice say “Yes, let’s do it” and I pushed forward peddling as fast as I could,
ready to hit the peak of the climb and give it all I had. I was going to finish
the ride. I finished strong, left it all
on the bike and could barely walk after, but I got it done.
As I went on with my evening, I could not shake the coaches
words. I kept hearing her scream “do the work”. Those three little words had
hit a cord. I started thinking about how we often are more easily pushed and
inspired to “do the work” when it comes to physical activity and exercise
around how we look, but often have the hardest time acknowledging the need
for us to work on our mental and emotional health and how we feel.
Physical activity and exercise take dedication, commitment,
consistency and drive. When engaging in an exercise regime you have to push
yourself beyond your comfort zone and be willing to endure the physical stress
and pain. The physical work often gets so exhausting that we quit or reach a
level of comfort with our progress and call it complete. Each of these can also be said for
socio-emotional work through therapy, counseling, coaching or other methods.
So, why is it so hard for many of us to open up to the
possibility that we could benefit from the exploration of our emotional well-being?
Everyone is different and there is no one answer, but I believe for many the
lack of validation of the work involved with improving our emotional wellness
is a conscious and subconscious barrier.
When we exercise and engage in physical activity the result is visible.
People acknowledge and congratulate us on our weight loss and muscle growth. We
can look at ourselves and be excited about our achievements. But, when it comes
to mental health and emotional wellness, it’s a different dynamic. The stigma
of having mental health and emotional issues continues to be a major barrier. Not
only are people made to feel ashamed, they are also often met with rejection
and denial.
Imagine if we lived in a culture that valued our mental and
emotional health as much as we value our physical health. A culture where
acknowledging mental and emotional struggles was not seen automatically as you
having “issues and problems”, but seen on par with the importance of regular
physical activity and exercise. Imagine a culture where we supported and
encouraged dialogue and exploration of our feelings and emotions, affirming
those who seek support and expert guidance. How much better might our
workplaces function? Think about how a decrease in anger and hatred born of
unaddressed mental and emotional issues might reduce crime and create stronger
more resilient communities.
I know this is hard to imagine given the culture and
environment we live in today. While we have come a long way from the days of
complete denial of the impact of mental and emotional health, we continue to
suffer from a lack of priority focus and resources needed to shift culture and
provide people with the adequate support, care and treatment many need. So what
can we do?
While those of us that advocate for policy change must continue
to push for funding and political support for mental health services, all of us
can start by prioritizing our own mental health and emotional wellness. If you
don’t already have a practice incorporated into your life schedule, start by
being intentional about creating quiet time to focus inward on how you feel and
how you are managing all the aspects of your life. Create safe space for you to
be honest with yourself about how you feel. And as with our physical health, be
consistent and allow whatever methods you use to empower you and push you
forward.
We should also challenge ourselves to be more affirming of
others need for support, guidance and encouragement. The next time you experience someone acknowledging
their mental and emotional health journey, validate them. Let them know that the time and focus they are
investing in their mental and emotional well-being is valued and respected.
When it’s all said and done and our days come to a close,
people may say “They were fit and good looking”, but what they will remember is
what kind of person you were and how you treated yourself and others.
“In the end what matters most is
how well you lived
how well you loved
And learned to let go”
Let's do the work!
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