These Women Work Out For Mental Health and Mindfulness
"Working out is undoubtedly the best, and sometimes most dreaded, part of my day. Balancing graduate school, work, and my personal life takes a lot of energy, and I've noticed that continually exercising has been the only way to maintain those energy levels. It's also the only time in the day where I can practice mindfulness, feel confident, and check something off the list that's just for me. It really improves the choices I make."
-Madeline, 23, Ithaca, NY, project associate at Cornell Health and research assistant
"Not only does working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle make me feel good physically, but it's essential for me mentally. I need to move in order to think clearly and to destress. Staying active has been proven to help brain health as you age. This is obvious when I see my grandparents: they're in their 80s and fill their schedules with walking, yoga, line dancing, and Tai chi. They're as sharp as a tack!"
-Natalie Coughlin, 36, San Francisco, Olympic swimmer
"I work out consistently for my mental health more than anything else. I feel a noticeable difference between when I'm active and when I'm not. I just feel more mental clarity and serenity when I'm consistently active."
-Allie, 22, Washington, DC, graphic designer
"I'd say I like working out because it gives me peace of mind to prepare for my day or recuperate afterwards. It also helps me sleep at night!"
-Lizzy, 24, Brooklyn, journalist
"The short answer is that I work out because it makes me feel good. The long answer is that I work out to help keep my anxiety in check and to clear my head. It gives me an opportunity to channel my intense emotion and spiraling thoughts toward something that's actually productive. Whenever I get in a funk or I'm really upset, I go for a run."
-Kristin, 23, Victoria, TX, NYU graduate student
"Working out keeps me grounded. I'm a morning sweat person, so doing it first thing in the morning before the sun even comes up gives me the opportunity to start every single day by giving back to myself with a moving meditation. For me, it's therapy. Afterward, I feel more calm, and prepared for anything that comes my way . . . starting with coffee."
-Emily Abbate, 30, New York City, fitness writer and Hurdle podcast host