Ella Carolan Sports Column

In this months column I initially wanted to write about the successes of our local teams; city rivals, Aston Villa and Birmingham City. Both of whom managed to escape relegation this season! However, as important as the news of our town’s favourite football teams are, I felt that there are more pressing topics to discuss, particularly mental health as it relates to sport. 

The reality is, for many of us, lockdown hasn’t been as smooth of a ride as Liverpool’s journey in this seasons Premier League. Some of us have really utilised this time to get into shape and become the happiest, healthiest version of ourselves. This is admirable and certainly inspiring! 

Although, after speaking with friends and family, it appears lockdown has depressed most of us. We all know sport and exercise are good for us. The scientific evidence that it improves both our physical and mental health is overwhelming. The release of endorphins we get whilst exercising improves our mood, whilst reducing feelings of depression. Traditionally exercise, in particular gym training, was used for militarily purposes. But in recent times, it appears the primary focus of gym training has become to ‘look good’. For myself and many young people, besides the psychological benefits of exercise, this aesthetic motivation reigns true. I believe lockdown has intensified this pressure to ‘look good’ as our time lines are flooded with social media influencers, promoting their ‘healthy’ lifestyles, home workouts and sponsored quick-fix products. As motivating as this can be, it is more often discouraging to young people and prevents them from developing a positive self image, as they compare themselves to models or celebrities with unrealistic physical appearances and unattainable results. Adapting to the changes and breaking our routines has been tiring, on top of the pressure to become ‘super fit’.

For me personally, the beginning of lockdown was the toughest. As a keen gym goer and university athlete, I fell off the fitness wagon and began to develop a negative self image. This left me in a period of deep reflection…

Although exercise is good for our mental health, should we really be concerned if we’ve gained a few pounds? Even with new ways to adapt in the form of home workouts and our ability to reach the surrounding fields of Coleshill, you’d think we’d all still be motivated to exercise.

In these uncertain times, facing intensified pressure of social media and restrictions of freedom have been challenging for everyone. Being in the comfort of our own home, nearer the fridge, with less things to keep us active, many of us just simply cannot help ourselves from slipping into an unhealthy lifestyle. Some days even mustering the energy to do simple things can be tough. We have and still are learning how to best deal with the ‘new normal’.

Only now as things as lockdown is easing, have I realised this period has been a journey of self acceptance. For many of us it has challenged our opinions of oneself, leading us to discover what truly makes us happy. For some this may be a new found hobby, passion for home-workouts or baking. Regardless of our current physical state we must remember that our mental health is as important. One should not be to the detriment of the other. Suicide is now the leading killer of men under 50 and is only expected to climb as economic uncertainty and instability ensue. It is important to feel happy in our own skin, especially in these unprecedented and uncertain times, we should continue to support each other. Remember to try and create a positive lockdown experience by taking care of both your mental and physical health through regular exercise, nutrition and taking time for self love!

For any help or guidance concerning mental health, the NHS website provides a list of hotlines:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/

In next months article I will be discussing exercise in relation to training and reward.