We live in a world that can oftentimes be overwhelming. Everyday stress, issues that push our buttons, and out-of-the-blue factors that test our patience can add to the already heavy load of personal problems that can make some of us want to give up.
Mental stress is one of life’s worst enemies. If not addressed properly, it can lead to anxiety, substance abuse, or even depression. With cases rising not only in the Philippines, health experts are introducing new strategies to manage mental stress.
Running and multi-sports have emerged as counter agents. In recent years, they have been at the forefront of encouraging Filipinos to live an active lifestyle and mental well-being.
Regular events, social gatherings, and the sense of belongingness instilled by groups and clubs are slowly curbing the drastic effects of mental health, proving that with a bit of personal motivation and inspiration, Filipinos can take a stand and change their lives.
𝐑𝐔𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐒
To put things bluntly, stress can be found anywhere, especially if you are living in a fast-paced environment like Metro Manila or other booming cities here in the Philippines. Heavy traffic, tons of workload, and family responsibilities contribute to everyday tension and upset our mood.
Engaging in physical activities like running and multisports can help alleviate these stressors. It has been proven that sports help in the release of endorphins, our body’s “happy hormones” that help relieve pain, lower stress, improve mood, and enhance a person’s sense of well-being.
Running appeals to most Filipinos because of its simplicity. It doesn’t take much to start running, plus the fact it comes with a “second-to-nature” feel: walk fast and you’ll start jogging; jog fast and you’ll start running. It’s as simple as that.
The sport can also be considered as a form of meditation. Ben Michaelis, PhD said on his article published by Psychology Today that running, aside from its health benefits, promotes mental resilience.
Michaelis likewise included that running is similar to meditation and prayer due to one key factor: repetition. It allows the individual to concentrate, contemplate, and relax while focusing on putting one foot in front of the other.
𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐗𝐈𝐄𝐓𝐘
Anxiety is another mental stress that came about during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay-at-home protocols, social distancing, and facing tons of uncertainties about the future dealt a heavy blow to the mental well-being of every Filipino.
People turn to multi-sports since it requires both physical and mental discipline. It’s difficult enough to concentrate on one sport, let alone two or three if an athlete is looking to join a triathlon. Managing these sports by way of a structured training program encourages an individual to maintain control over their schedule while joining multisport groups provides emotional support that negates the feeling of isolation.
𝐅𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍
Depression is often described as the chronic effect of long-term stress and a stigma that is associated with mental health.
Running and multi-sports can help combat depression. When done regularly, sports in general can boost serotonin levels in the brain. It is another “feel-good” chemical that our body produces to make us feel happy and calm, thereby improving our mood and reducing symptoms of depression.
Achieving something, whether big or small, also gives a sense of accomplishment to an individual. The same can be said when they focus on a certain goal from joining their first marathon or triathlon event: these instances let them focus on training with a sense of purpose. Winning an event or even just crossing the finish line gives them a renewed sense of self-worth and an anticipation to improve and be better.
