Find An Outlet For Mental Health

By: Jamie Maddox

Let’s face it, being a teenager isn’t easy. We live in a social, academic, and even family environment that can cause stress, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and other things that contribute to a low quality of life, low self-esteem, and decreased mental health. 

With all of the outside influences that negatively affect a person’s overall health and more specifically mental health, it is important to find an outlet. Regular exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and negative mood by improving self-esteem and cognitive function. 

By improving sleep and reducing tiredness, it increases mental alertness. These benefits can go a long way in helping a teenager get through their busy day with ease. Here are a few tips on how a teenager can incorporate exercise into their daily routine and find an outlet for mental health. 

 Don’t skip 7th-period gym class. Any elective class that involves physical activity should be taken seriously, just like history or math. A 45 minute class at school that incorporates even moderate physical activity, whether it be jogging, weight lifting, or sports activities will help you focus in class! 

 Replace your after-school coffee with an after-school workout.  Look into local fitness studios that have classes designed to increase strength and stamina. Group workouts are great to do with friends or even help you make new friends. Places like Orangetheory Fitness provide a non-intimidating environment, great music, and a workout suited for all fitness levels.   

 Get outside!  Bicycling, hiking, walking your dog, swimming, or going for a walk or jog are great ways to get in your daily exercise and increase your mental clarity. These activities are easy to do, cost-effective, and time-efficient! Thirty minutes outside doing any of these activities will go a long way in making strides towards improved mental health. 

 Health benefits from regular exercise that should be emphasized and reinforced include: 

• Improved sleep
• Stress relief
• Improved in mood
• Increased energy and stamina
• Increased mental alertness
• Weight reduction
• Reduced cholesterol and improved cardiovascular fitness

Jamie Maddox

Head Coach | Orangetheory Fitness in Montgomery

Jaime Maddox is currently the Head Coach at Orangetheory Fitness in Montgomery.  She has 13 years of experience in the fitness industry and holds a B.S. Degree in Kinesiology and a M.S. Degree in Exercise Physiology. Most of her experience includes group fitness, personal training, and fitness management in big box gyms and small training studios throughout Alabama and Texas. She also travelled the U.S. as a Les Mills National Trainer and Presenter for 6 years. Her goal is to help those she works with become the best versions of themselves possible.