This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Another Fitness Routine

I thought I would write this week about how we approach physical fitness versus mental fitness.

After reading Paul Devlin’s last week, and as a continuation of my observations on using the addiction model to treat depression, I thought I would write this week about how we approach physical fitness versus mental fitness.  Well before students step foot in the classroom, we’ve already seen them back on the playing fields in town. One of New Canaan’s many attributes is its collective commitment to physical wellbeing. The parking lot is almost perpetually jammed, there are people walking on South Avenue rain or shine, and the yoga mats is an almost ubiquitous accessory. Our children, our seniors, and all of us in between are out there staying in shape.  However, what are the signs that we’re equally committed to mental well-being? If they aren’t as obvious, maybe they should be. 

For people unfamiliar with addiction, I sometimes use the analogy of weight loss when I’m describing what a major adjustment in someone’s behavioral health is like. If you were seriously out of shape and 100 pounds or more overweight, you wouldn’t go to a doctor’s office expecting some easy advice, a magic pill, or even a miracle procedure to make the difference. Well, maybe you would but I’ve yet to personally encounter someone who has used a ‘quick-fix’ method for weight loss be successful long term. However, a commitment to working out, eating right, and keeping it up as a life style, almost always yields results (not to mention the satisfaction that accompanies doing the hard work).  When someone recognizes a behavioral pattern or persistent depression is having an unhealthy impact on his or her life, making the change may require a similar devotion to routine. 

Physical fitness is good for the heart and the mind. But when it’s competitive to the extreme, especially for our kids, there have to be other activities that we practice for our behavioral and emotional health. Are we reading and watching content that lift us up or brings us down? Are we making real connections with people who care about us, who we trust, or are we maintaining superficial or negative relationships? Are we doing ‘good deeds’, and counting our blessings everyday? Is family dinnertime a priority above business, schoolwork, and sports every night?  Do we consciously ensure that each day includes something that we look forward to?

Find out what's happening in New Canaanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Teams practice almost daily and individuals often rely on ‘workout buddies’ to keep them motivated and consistent.  A mental fitness routine benefits from the support of others as well. We’re fortunate to live in a town that clearly champions self-improvement. As a community, we’ll also benefit tremendously from advocating peace of mind. 

If you or someone you know thinks they need help, contact a mental health professional.  Always dial 911 if you feel unsafe.

Find out what's happening in New Canaanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?